Collegiate Times

Participants start off during the 11th annual Perry 5K

On Saturday morning while some were sleeping and dreaming of a big victory in Nebraska, others were at the Duckpond running a race to perpetuate the dream and memory of one former Virginia Tech student.

Michael B. Perry was a 21-year-old Tech student when he died on June 7, 1998, in an alcohol-related motorcycle crash on Toms Creek Road.

To honor his memory, Perry's former fraternity, Phi Sigma Pi, created the Michael B. Perry 5K Run and Walk. This year was the 11th annual event run by Phi Sigma Pi. The race has occurred every year since his fatal motorcycle accident.

"Today is all about Michael's life," said Michael's brother, Dave Perry. "An event like this needs to make us all remember that we must live life to the fullest."

This year, 83 racers participated, either running or walking along the 3.1-mile  course. The race was held along the designated campus-confined foot race route, which starts along the Duckpond and goes around the pond and surrounding area.

The race is an event that brings together the Tech campus and the Blacksburg community, with students and participants from all around Blacksburg.

"I am so pleased the race still continues after 11 years," said Hilda Roberts, Michael's mother. "These guys get so into it."

This year's walk and run raised more than $1,200 to be donated to the Montgomery County Educational Foundation. Through the foundation, the money will go to DARE and Drunk Driving Awareness Programs. These programs teach younger kids about the dangers of drunk driving.

"These programs help to educate kids," said event organizer Kate Donovan, a member of Phi Sigma Pi. "They are programs based on destructive discussion awareness, so that hopefully an accident like this can be prevented in the future."

Freshman David Rushing ultimately finished first. But what matters most to the Perry's family is remembrance.

"It means a lot to the family," Dave Perry said. "This event is a great example of the Virginia Tech student body doing good. The good deeds of the school do not get reported near enough."