Jordan’s Run Is Still On

The Jordan’s Run Veterans Memorial 5K Run/Walk has gone completely virtual.

The race is in honor of Lance Corporal Jordan C. Haerter, a Sag Harbor native who was one of two men heroically killed in action in Ramadi, Iraq in 2008 to save the lives of 150 others.

“Jordan’s Run Veterans Memorial 5K Run/Walk has made the difficult decision to change our race to an all-virtual or satellite edition option,” Haerter’s mother JoAnn Lyles wrote on the race Facebook page. “During this unprecedented event, we could not even think about asking for sponsorships or look for volunteers when so many are struggling. We want to give back instead.”

The organizers will instead sponsor the Sag Harbor Food Pantry to “take care of our community,” Lyles said.

The Sag Harbor race, which already had a virtual component for veterans and those interested in competing outside of Long Island, will still happen Sunday, July 26, at 8:30 AM.

Those interested can register online at www.elitefeats.com/?JordansRun. Registration by the Saturday evening before is $35 and $40 the day of the race.

At 19, Haerter, a Sag Harbor native was the first lost on the battlefield from the village since World War II.

He was deployed to Joint Security Station Nasser in the Sophia District of Ramadi, which at one point was the center of insurgency, and was standing guard at the entry of the control point with Marine Corporal Jonathan Yale when a large truck accelerated toward them, ignoring signals and flares to stop. When the truck failed to do so, the two men opened fire until a 2000-pound blast claimed their lives. Both were posthumously awarded the Navy Cross, and North Haven-Sag Harbor Bridge was renamed in Haerter’s honor.

With a virtual race, participants have a longer window of time to run. Each person submits proof — like through a treadmill, app, or other tracking system — of their time and distance. There will be no shirts or bags given out, but personalized bibs will be sent in the mail with instructions to participate on the back. Medals will still be presented to the winners.

“As we get closer to July 26, perhaps things will have eased up a bit, and small groups will be able to run together,” Lyles said. “Maybe your team could get together? A group of friends, Marines aboard Camp Pendleton. A South Carolina contingent!”

Photos of the walks/runs can be shared on elitefeats and on social media using the hashtag #JordansRun.

desiree@indyeastend.com