Hundreds Expected At 2nd Annual Jordan’s Run In Sag Harbor

The 2nd annual Jordan’s Run, presented by In Jordan’s Honor, Ltd., a 501 (c) (3) not for profit charitable memorial fund that honors the memory of United States Marine Corps Lance Corporal Jordan Christian Haerter of Sag Harbor, who was killed in action in Ramadi, Iraq, will take place on Sunday, July 29.

The Veterans’ Memorial 5K Run/Walk attracted over 400 participants in its first year, and JoAnn Lyles, Jordan Haerter’s mother, who founded In Jordan’s Honor, Ltd., expects just as big of a turnout.

“This year will be a great year for Jordan’s Run,” explained Lyles. “Many 1st Battalion 9th Marines (1/9 Marines), Jordan’s unit, are traveling to Sag Harbor to visit for the weekend. It’s good to see their camaraderie, like they were just together yesterday.”

“Many of them, now 30-years-old or close to that, are bringing their wives and kids,” Lyles noted. “These Marines from 3rd Platoon, Weapons Company owe their lives to Jordan and Cpl Jonathan T Yale.”

In addition to the amazing outpouring of support from those that served with Lance Corporal Haerter, the local community has also embraced the event. “Jordan’s friends from high school make sure this is the weekend that they are home,” Lyles added.

In Jordan’s Honor, Ltd. designed the course to include places that were meaningful throughout Lance Corporal Haerter’s life. “The 5K race route is poignant. It starts and finishes at Pierson High School where Jordan Haerter attended all of his school years, and graduated in 2006,” Lyles reflected. “The highlight of the route is crossing the Lance Cpl Jordan Haerter Veterans’ Memorial Bridge that was renamed in honor of Jordan and all of our local fallen in a ceremony held November 2008.”

“You’ll pass a marina on West Water Street where Jordan worked a summer job in high school,” she explained. “On the last leg of the 5K, you’ll pass by Oakland Cemetery where our hero rests. Flags will be set up and an honor guard marks the location.”

This year Jordan’s Run will feature a complimentary photo booth where participants can document the morning with a finisher photo.

“Participants can look for the red, white and blue helicopter that will fly over the run,” Lyles said.

There might also be an appearance from Hampton Flyboard as the runners cross the bridge and Eastern Long Island Police Pipe and Drum will return to encourage participants as they cross the base of the bridge.

“Runners will carry service flags and American Flags!” Lyles said. “The bridge will be decorated in red, white and blue.”

Jordan’s Run will also include a new award – the Middle Of the Pack. “Anyone can win,” she shared. A runner or walker.”

And, even if you don’t participate, you can still pick a spot along the race route to cheer on runners and walkers as they make their way to the finish line.

BeeCause Charms, a sneaker charms company will also be onsite this year. “The running community can wear sneaker charms to commemorate run and honor,” Lyles said. “BeeCause Charms has made Jordan’s Run a special charm. We also brought in patriotic charms and fun charms for kids. Check those out under the In Jordan’s Honor tent at Pierson High School grounds the day of the race.”

Registration opens up at 7 a.m. – with an 8:30 a.m. start and there will be complimentary Starbucks coffee.

“Our race committee has been working hard to prepare a good run, a good experience, when you visit historic Sag Harbor,” Lyles concluded. “Plan to spend some time in our historic village.”

Registration is $35 in advance and $40 on the day of.

For those that can’t make it, there’s also a Virtual Run option. If you sign up, you’ll get a bib and runners shirt in the mail.

Pierson High School is located at 200 Jermain Avenue in Sag Harbor. For more information, call 631-725-1788 or visit www.injordanshonor.com.