On Sunday, March 23, the Marching Virginians the first ever Run for Ryan — a 5k honoring Ryan “Stack” Clark. The route began on the MV practice field and continued down Southgate Drive, looping underneath US-460.
The runners were a mix of current MVs and alumni, with former director Dave McKee making a special appearance. On the field, in true MV fashion, the runners (and walkers) were led in group stretches and breathing exercises before doing the Hokie Pokie. Once the pep band kicked off with Tech Triumph, the runners took off, each tapping Stack’s statue on their way out the gate.
Runners were cheered on by volunteers and provided with water along the entire path. While making it up Chicken Hill for the run’s finale was no easy task, the runners were congratulated with the pep band’s many iconic tunes as they crossed the finish line. Afterwards, the runners were provided a lunch of pizza and apples under the pavilion.
While this was the first Run for Ryan 5k held at Virginia Tech, Ryan’s hometown in Georgia hosts a similar 5k each year in honor of his passing. The proceeds of the run are donated to the Ryan Clark Scholarship and Community Service Award, founded by his mother, Mrs. Letitie Clark. The scholarship provides aid to upcoming collegiate students who demonstrate excellence in community service.
For more information about or to donate to the Ryan Clark Scholarship, please visit www.ryanstackclark.org.