Annual run will be held Nov. 12 to honor Maj. Mike Donahue

Students will have the opportunity to race the morning away while also supporting those who have served in the military and honoring Maj. Mike Donahue’s life during the 14th Annual Valley View Mike Donahue 5-Miler race at Hydaway Outdoor Center Nov. 12 at 9 a.m. 

Campus Recreation and the Military Affairs department host his event. The race is available to students as well as the public. Students can sign up in advance for $25, but the cost on race day will be $35. 

Staff and faculty can also register for the event. All active and past military members will receive a discount.

Racers will run through the Liberty Mountain Trail Series, just as Donahue once did. Before the race, a ceremony will be held to honor those who have fallen while serving our country. 

“The course is a near-perfect representation of the LU trail system,” Michael Ellsworth, the director of Outdoor Recreation, said. “With over 60 miles worth of trails, 5 miles is just a snapshot, but it is an excellent snapshot. This race climbs to the top of the LU Monogram, follows Valley View Road and also includes a beautiful single-track section that follows a small stream through the deepest valley on the mountain.”

Donahue was an assistant professor of military science for Liberty’s Army ROTC program from 2008-2010. He was a former graduate of Liberty and obtained his master’s degree in education. 

During his involvement at Liberty, he exercised his passion for running by taking part in the trail runners’ club and frequently running the trails. 

Donahue was from Ohio and was a paratrooper for the XVIII Airborne Corps, located in Fort Bragg, North Carolina. During the three tours he served, he was stationed in Iraq, South Korea and Afghanistan.

He was killed in Afghanistan during a Taliban attack on Sept. 16, 2014. 

“He made me feel like I belonged, like I was a part of ‘the gang’ and that he valued the opportunity to meet with me,” Ellsworth said. “I think that is why so many people have such a noble opinion of him. Mike was engaging, passionate and excited about everything. His personality seemed to jump-start everyone he interacted with.”

Ellsworth discussed how this race brings the community together, how it offers runners the opportunity to learn more about the legacy Donahue left. Each year, a new speaker is selected to share Donahue’s story.

“This reminder always seems to cause me to pause, take a breath, enjoy life and attack the next moment,” Ellsworth said.

Ellsworth believes 5 miles is a great distance for runners. Though it can be a challenge for a beginning runner, he said it is a manageable distance to
work up to. 

“A more advanced runner will get a good workout out of the mileage, and the peaks of Liberty Mountain ensure that the race still pumps up your heart rate,” Ellsworth said. 

Students can learn more information about the race by heading to their website.

Denny is a news reporter for the Liberty Champion