The 5th Annual APK Charities 5K Run/Ruck/Walk included a very generous food collection program, benefitting four area food banks.

Submitted by Kevin Dowd

The Annual APK 5K Run/Ruck/Walk (including a shorter kids’ fun run) is held in memory of Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel every fall. 

The race started and finished at Guilford Fairground and followed a certified, picturesque route. Access to the fairground was free and spectators lined the race route to watch and cheer on participants. Participants traveled from all over Connecticut, including a nice representation from West Hartford. 

Many of the “ruck” marchers carried loaded backpacks that had been filled with non-perishable food donations. 

“Most marchers carried 10 pounds, and some of the ruck packs had 20 pounds of food in them,” commented Bob Keiser, the organization’s co-founder, president, and COO. “We were shocked and humbled by our generous participants. Getting 7,500 pounds of food donations was so heartwarming, especially at this time of year with the holidays approaching.”

The food donations were distributed to the Madison Food Pantry, The Guilford Food Pantry, The St. George Food Pantry and West Hartford’s Town That Cares after the challenge.

All proceeds of this year’s race benefited the Special Forces Charitable Trust, Fisher House, West Haven VA, APK Endowment Fund with Madison and Guilford Foundations, Spike’s K9 Fund, and APK Direct Assistance Program and honors in loving memory, Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel, Special Forces.

The U.S. Army Special Operations Command Parachute Display Team known as “The Black Daggers” were on site and scheduled to be “dropping in” during this year’s APK 5K Ruck/Walk event, but a low cloud ceiling prevented them from jumping.

Capt. Pedersen-Keel attended Avon Old Farms School in Avon, CT, graduating in 2002 and after earning his degree from the U.S. Military Academy, he was eventually deployed to Afghanistan in August 2012 as an ODA Commander. In March of 2013, he was team leader of ODA 3126. He was killed later that month. 

Awards were given to the 5K Run: first, second, and third overall male and female finishers, and challenge coins for age group winners. In the 5K Ruck March/Walk, first, second, and third overall finishers received awards. The 5K Ruck March/Walk first overall team/unit will receive a plaque with their name engraved. The plaque will remain in their possession until next year’s Ruck March.

The Military team/unit award went to the 102 Army band from the Connecticut Army National guard. The Civilian team/unit award went to Crossfit New Haven.

Donations to the general fund in memory of Andrew Pedersen-Keel may be made by clicking here.