Wounded Warrior Run Set For Nov. 12

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- Pittsburghers will have a chance to support wounded veterans next month at the 2nd Annual Run for the Wounded Warrior. The November 12th race will start at the North Park boathouse; and participants can choose between a 5K walk/run and a 5-mile run.

Last year, 455 runners and sponsors helped to raise $18,500 for the Wounded Warrior project. Race Director Charlotte Emig says she is looking forward to another successful run. This year's goal is 600 runners; and all proceeds from the race will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project and the National Organization on Disabilities, both working to help wounded veterans.

A former Marine who served from 1994 to 1998, Emig says she wanted to organize an event to support wounded soldiers and to promote awareness of research initiatives in the community.

"We love our soldiers, and we are thinking of them," Emig said. "We want to do what we can to support them."

According to its website, the Wounded Warrior Project is dedicated to "helping injured service members aid and assist each other" and to "provide unique, direct programs and services to meet the needs of injured service members."

Wounded Warrior Outreach Coordinator Brace Feldbusch attended the race last year with his wife Charlene. His son, Jeremy Feldbusch was wounded in Iraq in 2003. Brace, Charlene, and Jeremy are part of the 26 members who founded the Wounded Warrior Project several years ago.

"For what the Pittsburgh community is doing, it is important to say thank you and let them know their support and fundraising isn't going unnoticed," Feldbusch said. "We are all in this together."

See Some Photos From Last Year's Run

The National Organization on Disability works to bring wounded soldiers back to the workforce with Wounded Warrior Careers Program.

Carol Glazer, president of the National Organization on Disability, said NOD is proud to partner with the Pittsburgh Tissue Engineering Initiative in this year's run for the Wounded Warrior. Glazer said the proceeds NOD receives from the run will go towards establishing a Wounded Warrior Careers project in western Pennsylvania, which will help 100 of the most severely injured veterans pursue careers upon their transition home.

"Since 2008, NOD has operated Wounded Warrior Careers in Colorado, North Carolina and Dallas, Texas; 68% of NOD Wounded Warrior Careers participants are employed or in education or job training-twice the rate of those not enrolled in NOD's program. We look forward to bringing this effective model to the Pittsburgh region," Glazer said.

Run for the Wounded Warrior is a family event as well, with booths and activities at the finish line.

Visit www.ptei.org for more information or to register for the race. Before October 31st, runners can register for the 5k run/walk for $20, and the 5 mile run for $25. After October 31st, the 5k walk/run is $25 and the 5 mile run is $30. Runners will receive a tee-shirt and a race packet. The start time for the 5 mile run will begin at 9:00 a.m. and the 5k run/walk will be at 9:15 a.m.