APK 5K Race and Ruck March

APK 5K Race

EVENT Information

November 3

Pre-Race Day:

Packet pick-up and registration (1:00-6:00 PM)

Branford soundRunner

1088 Main Street

Branford, CT

November 4

Race Day:

Guilford Fairgrounds

Lovers Lane

Guilford, CT

8:00 AM Registration/packet pick up

9:30 AM Kids Fun Run

10:00 AM 5K and 5K Ruck March Start

11:30 AM Post Race Party

Captain Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel U.S. Army Special Forces

CPT Andrew M. Pedersen-Keel, fondly called “PK”, was born June 8, 1984 in South Miami, FL. He grew up in Wallingford; CT. Andrew attended Parker Farms Elementary School, and Moran Middle School. He graduated from Avon Old Farms School, Avon, CT in 2002. Throughout high school Andrew embraced all that AOF had to offer. He was a Dean’s List student, tri-sport varsity athlete, dormitory monitor, and editor of the school newspaper. Remembered for his enthusiasm, energy, loyalty and high moral standards he earned the trust, respect, and admiration of those around him.

Andrew was admitted to the United States Military Academy at West Point. N.Y. and graduated in 2006. He was first deployed to Afghanistan in 2008, as an Army Ranger, serving as company executive officer and platoon leader. Following his first deployment he began Special Forces training, which he completed June 28, 2012. Andrew was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 3rd Special Forces Group (Airborne). At the time of his death, March 11, 2013, CPT Pedersen-Keel was serving as Detachment Commander of Green Beret Special Forces team in eastern Afghanistan. On that day several NATO and Afghan service members, including Andrew, a second American soldier, SSG Rex L. Schad from Oklahoma, and the military working dog “Bak” were killed when an assailant wearing an Afghan National Security uniform opened fire on the group. This subterfuge, referred to as a “green on blue” attack or strike against coalition members by people dressed in police uniforms has killed dozens of coalition troops.

Andrew was awarded three Bronze Stars, The Meritorious Service Medal, and The Purple Heart. In his career Andrew also earned the Combat Infantryman Badge, Expert Infantryman Badge, Ranger Tab, Special Forces Tab, Pathfinder Badge, Air Assault Badge, Parachutist Badge, Army Commendation Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terror Expeditionary Medal and the NATO Medal.

Our son exemplified duty, honor, and country. Please help us honor his legacy.

APK Charities serves as a bridge that connects our society and our Armed Forces, opening our hearts and minds to support those who protect us.

Never Falter Never Quit

REGISTRATION FORM

Register online at APK5K.org

CHOOSE YOUR EVENT

KIDS RACE $10

5K $25*

5K RUCK MARCH $25*

*Through November 3.

$30 on Race Day.

SAVE A STAMP and register at APK5K.org

Awards

Awards will be presented to the top 3 male and female finishers in each age group for the 5K. The age groups are as follows: 12 and under, 13-15, 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50- 59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+.

The first, second and third place male and female finishers in the 5K and 5K Ruck March will receive gift certificates to soundRUNNER. The first place 5K Ruck March Team will receive a plaque bearing the famed Yarborough Green Beret Knife with their name engraved on the plaque to remain in their possession until next year’s Ruck March.

5K Ruck March

For participants, please bring a backpack with non-perishable food items with the following recommendations:

If you weigh 150 lbs. and under – pack 10 lbs. of food

If you weigh over 150 lbs. – pack 20 lbs. of food

All packed food will be donated to the St. George Food Pantry, Guilford and Madison Food Banks after the challenge.

Please note: A team consists of at least FIVE members.

ALL PROCEEDS OF THIS EVENT WILL BENEFIT THE FOLLOWING:

Each endowment fund supports initiatives, projects and nonprofit organizations that serve to improve the quality of life in Madison and Guilford, among other places, with a particular focus on Veterans and Active Duty Military and/or their families and related Military charities and projects.

The Special Forces Charitable Trust honors and supports the active-duty and veteran Green Berets nationwide. A primary resource center, it ensures timely and consistent support and services to the Special Forces Association’s 9,500 members, the SF National Guard units, active-duty and veteran Green Berets and their families. The trust helps the greater SF community and their families navigate through life stage transitions and life issues while preserving and promoting the history and heritage of the Green Berets. It’s an advocate for those issues most important and relevant to U.S. Army Special Forces.

The mission of Wounded Warrior Family Support is to provide support to the families of those who have been wounded, injured or killed during combat operations. The families of our casualties suffer in many ways: some financially, some psychologically.

The Fisher House Foundation builds and maintains 65 long- term residential facilities at Dover AFB and near military hospitals nationwide. The families of seriously injured Connecticut soldiers and veterans can stay free-of-charge during the long rehabilitation process. Construction of a Fisher House on the campus of the VA Healthcare System/Hospital in West Haven, CT began in early 2017.

Spike’s K9 Fund is a nationally-known 501(c)3 non-profit organization that is oriented around the care and preservation of working canines. Spike’s K9 Fund was founded by James Hatch, a retired Special Warfare Operator, whose life was saved by these special canines, one of which was Spike. Spike’s K9 Fund aspires to ensure every K9 receives exactly what they need every time by purchasing gear to keep them safer and for peak operation, paying for critical medical treatment to help them return to work or live their retirement days in complete health.