Sgt. Ryan Gloyer’s family stands near the sign for Ryan Gloyer Middle School when it was renamed in June 2018. Butler Eagle file photo

Every day, students of the Seneca Valley School District are exposed to the legacy of Ryan Gloyer, a Seneca Valley graduate who lost his life during battle in Kunduz, Afghanistan, in November 2016.

The school district took the ultimate step by renaming its middle school in Gloyer’s memory in time for the 2018-19 school year. On Nov. 5, the district will continue to honor his legacy by holding the inaugural Ryan Gloyer Memorial Run.

Presented by the Seneca Valley Foundation and sponsored primarily by Westinghouse, the memorial run is intended to encourage people to become more active in honor of Gloyer.

In addition to the legacy he left behind as a top-notch student and American patriot, Gloyer was also, by all accounts, a brilliant athlete who enjoyed running. During his time at Seneca Valley, he was on the soccer and track and field squads.

“It’s our hope that the event raises awareness of who Ryan was and inspires our students to embody the same characteristics that made him such a wonderful man and soldier,” said Annie Mersing of the Seneca Valley Foundation.

The 5K, which starts at 9 a.m., will take place at Seneca Valley’s main campus in Jackson Township, as well as a portion of Seneca School Road. Part of Seneca School Road will be closed starting at 8:30 a.m. on race day.

For most runners/walkers, the cost to enter the event is $30. Military service members can register for a $5 discount. There will also be a $5 discount for runners 18 and younger.

Also part of the festivities is the “virtual 5K,” where runners/walkers who are unable to make the trip to the race can run their own 5K at a location of their choosing.

“Ryan has touched people from across the country, so we were proud to offer this option for those wanting to be a part of the event but not able to make the trip,” Mersing said.

Several nonprofit organizations will set up shop at the 5K, including representatives of the Alzheimer’s Association, Veterans Affairs, and the Cranberry Library. The 5K will also host several vendors, including Dairy Queen, Eat’n Park, Bend Apparel, and Jenny Lee Bakery.

All participants in the 5K will receive a commemorative T-shirt.