Ryan Jerabek, an 18 year old Hobart native had served our Nation in the United States Marine Corps with Honor, Courage and Commitment. Ryan was assigned to the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, 2nd Battalion, 4th Regiment, ECHO Co. Weapons Platoon. (2/4 Second to None) He gave his life for the cause of Freedom on 6 April, 2004 in Ramadi, Iraq during Operation Iraqi Freedom. Ryan was awarded the Bronze Star with Combat V for extraordinary heroism. He also received the Purple Heart. This event is planned to take place on the roads that Ryan ran to prepare himself for his service in the Marine Corps.
The intention of this non-profit event is to honor and thank our veterans, all of our servicemen and women, and to Honor and Remember our Fallen Heroes.
The inspiration and driving force behind this event came from Ryan himself. In his senior year at Pulaski High School, he gave a speech about the Marine Corps. At the end of the speech, he implored his fellow students with the following:
"I’d like to ask of you to thank those who fought and are fighting in the battles to keep this country at the pinnacle of Freedom."
- Ryan Jerabek 2 Dec 2002
This event is one way that we can honor Ryan’s request. SEMPER FIDELIS (Always Faithful)
JERABEK CHALLENGE ON FACEBOOK
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JERABEK CHALLENGE IN THE NEWS...
May 29, 2010: One Marine's memorial: day of racing to honor veterans' service (Read more)
August 11, 2009: Jerabek Challenge Run in Baghdad (Read more)
August 9, 2009: 'We shed blood on the battlefield together' (Read more)
November 10, 2008: Grant recipients announced for 2008 Jerabek Challenge (Read more)
August 10, 2008: Runners Pay Tribute To Marine Killed In Iraq (Read more)
July 2, 2008: Group of Marines Run in Iraq to Honor Jerabek (Read more)
August 12, 2007: Memorial Race Honors Marine Killed In Iraq (Read more)