Courtesy: event press release

Once again, the roar of race car engines will be mixed with the cheers of spectators at Texas Motor Speedway on Saturday, September 13th. But in this case the cheers will be directed at runners and walkers participating in the 2nd annual Protectors of Freedom Fire and Police Appreciation 5K run/walk, sponsored by the Lake Grapevine Runners and Walkers Club.

This event is a labor of love for the 250-member club, particularly for Race Director Joe Luccioni, a long-time Grapevine resident. Joe's daughter, Stephanie, was engaged to Michael Lynch, one of the 343 firefighters who lost their lives in the World Trade Center.

Last year the POF 5k raised $11,500 for the Michael Lynch Foundation, a fund established to help families of firefighters who gave their lives on 9/11/01. This year, two Texas-based charities will also share in race proceeds. The Peace Officers Memorial Foundation is a non-profit organization that offers scholarships for children of peace officers and also provides a $10,000 Line of Duty Death Benefit for qualifying peace officers in the State of Texas. The Texas State Firefighters Emergency Relief and College Scholarship Fund is a charitable organization that provides similar assistance for firefighters and their families.

Race cars speeding around the track while the race is being staged, an anticipated large turnout of firefighters and police officers, unique prizes and wonderful charities make this a special event that runners, walkers and their families will want to mark on their calendars. Race organizers are currently soliciting sponsors and are looking for volunteers to assure that the race is a success. Maps to Texas Motor Speedway, registration forms, and details about the course/packet pickup/parking/start time are available on the LG-RAW website (www.runnersandwalkers.com). For more information about the race, or if you are interested in providing support/sponsorship, please call Joe Luccioni at (817) 251-9311.