As runners lace up their sneakers on Saturday, April 1, they will do so in memory of Brendan Ford.

The 20-year-old passed away suddenly due to cardiac arrest in 2006, and Brock University has since been helping to organize the Brendan Ford Run for Success in his honour.

The 8th annual event, which offers five-kilometre and 10-kilometre routes for both runners and walkers, will take place at the Glenridge Quarry Naturalization Site, 1860 Sir Isaac Brock Way. Registration begins at 11 a.m. followed by the run at noon.

The event was created in 2008 by Brendan’s older brother Damian Ford (BSM ’08).

Ford’s family has since been collaborating annually with Brock Sport Management students to grow the run over the years.

Proceeds from the run support the Brendan Ford Scholarship Fund, which aids Niagara students in financial need who are pursuing a post-secondary education and have demonstrated outstanding community support and a commitment to social justice.

Funds from the student-run event are also donated to the Heart and Stroke Foundation to contribute to future research.

A minimum $20 pledge is required to participate in the run. Cost to participate is lessened for children under the age of 10 and Brock University varsity athletes.

Donations can be made online at www.brendanford.run or at the event.

A charity raffle with a variety of prizes will be held after the run at Cat’s Caboose, 224 Glenridge Ave. in St. Catharines beginning at 1 p.m.

(Story by fourth-year Business Communication student Jennifer Nicholson)