The annual Kenny Wayland Memorial Run will be held virtually this year.
VENTNOR – Due to the concern surrounding the coronavirus pandemic, Ventnor City has canceled all public gatherings until May 30, including the Kenny Wayland Memorial Run previously scheduled for Memorial Day weekend, Sunday, May 24.
Instead of gathering on the boardwalk en masse that day, the Ventnor City Fire Department is making its annual scholarship fundraiser a virtual reality by asking participants to register a donation and safely run or walk the distance in their own space.
The event honors firefighter Kenneth Wayland who died at age 35 on Dec. 15, 1972 while fighting a fire in high-rise building. While searching for an occupant of the fourth-floor apartment, Wayland was unable to exit the apartment and was forced to jump out a window. He died five days later from injuries sustained during the fall. Ironically, the occupant had already exited the apartment without notifying authorities.
Ventnor City Firefighters FMBA Local 38 has staged the run since the year 2000. Proceeds from the event provide funding for scholarships that are awarded to high school seniors based on financial need, academics and community service. To date, more than $65,000 has been awarded to more than 80 Ventnor City students.
Participants can register online at the Kenny Wayland Memorial Run website. Registraiton fee is $20 for the 5K, 10K and Fun Walk.
All participants will receive a T-shirt in the mail.
You don’t need to do anything except go out there and safely run or walk your distance in your own space and report it on the organization’s website, firefighters stated.
Participants who register for the virtual race are encouraged to post photos of their finish on the VCFD Ken Wayland Scholarship Run Facebook page. Anyone who has already pre-registered is eligible to receive a refund, but donations to the scholarship fund are encouraged.
For more information, call 609-823 7942 or email ventnorfmba38@gmail.com.
