Race raised more than $35,000 for Remembrance Book Scholarships
Six hundred people participated in the 8th Annual Heather L. Hurd 5K Run and Kids Trick or Treat Walk, presented by Kent Schwab Allstate Agency, on October 29 at Harford Community College.
More than $35,000 was raised for Remembrance Book Scholarships for Harford Community College students. Over the eight years the race has been held, more than $170,000 has been raised for book scholarships.
The race honored the memory of Heather L. Hurd, a history major at Harford Community College from 1998 to 2003, who was killed in 2008 by a distracted driver who was texting.
Jen Ecker was the top female runner, completing the 5K in18:38. The top male runner was Daniel Colopietro, who finished the race in 16:41.
Dianna G. Phillips, Ph.D., president of Harford County College, and Harford County Executive Barry Glassman spoke before the race.
In addition to the 5K, a children’s area featured Halloween and Mickey Mouse-themed bounce houses, face painting, crafts and balloon art in addition to trick or treating and a costume contest. Children had the opportunity to interact with special visitors The Oriole Bird, Cinderella, Spiderman, Batman, Chick-Fil-A Cow and Harford Community College’s Schreech the Owl. The children’s area was organized by Harford Community College’s Early Learning Center.
Amanda Peacock, Miss Atlantic Shores Outstanding Teen 2016 whose platform is distracted driving awareness, sang the National Anthem before the race and “A Dream Is A Wish Your Heart Makes” from “Cinderella” during the program. She also performed “It’s Quiet Uptown” from the Broadway musical, “Hamilton,” with lyrics rewritten and dedicated to the Hurd Family.
“No dream is ever too small. No dream is ever too big,” said Russell Hurd, Heather’s father. “A little more than eight years ago my family and I searched for a way to preserve the memory of our daughter, Heather. Our goal was and is to save lives and the dreams of those saved through continuing education and awareness about the dangers of distracted driving. Through the race, we assist in making dreams come true for students at Harford Community College by providing Remembrance Book Scholarships. It is the essence of the Heather Hurd 5K and the passion of our lives.”
Donations are still being accepted at harford.edu/heather.
A record 62 sponsors supported the race. The Presenting Sponsor was Kent Schwab Allstate Agency. The Children’s Area Sponsor was Stevenson University – School of Graduate and Professional Studies. Silver Sponsors were AAA Mid-Atlantic, Blue Dot Services of Maryland, CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield, Cowan Systems, LLC, Dixie Construction, Enterprise Holdings Foundation, The Mirmiran Foundation and Law Offices of Jason Turchin. Bronze Sponsors included Auto Eurotech, B. Michael & Sons, Bel Air Fast Lube LLC, C&S Wholesale Grocers, Harford County Government, In Memory of Kari Ann Burnett, In Memory of Margay Schee, Laurel Bush Family Dentistry, JC Penney, Len the Plumber, Katie Perry – The Premier Platinum Group at Re/Max Components, Perluke Consulting Services, Plaza Ford and Lee Tessier Team of Keller Williams American Premier Realty. The Mile Marker Sponsor was Classic Body & Fender. Additional sponsors may be found at www.harford.edu/heather.
For more information, visit harford.edu/heather.
