The 17th Annual Major Eugene McCarthy Memorial 5K Race — held every year in memory of Marine Major Eugene McCarthy, a 1973 graduate of Nazareth Regional High School — will be run at Marine Park, June 6.
Registration for the race begins at 8 a.m., followed by the race, which starts at 9 a.m.
Following graduation from Nazareth, 475 East 57th Street, McCarthy went on to the Unites States Naval Academy at Annapolis. Serving his country through active service in the United States Marine Corps, he rose to the rank of Major.
McCarthy’s career path included training as a Navy diver and paratrooper, having completed the very challenging Army Ranger School. His spirit of commitment to his country continued as he volunteered for several tours of duty as a special agent with the Drug Enforcement Agency.
During Operation Snowcap, McCarthy served as a helicopter pilot in the frontline war against drugs operating in the jungles of Peru.
In the 1991 war with Iraq Operation Desert Storm, McCarthy gave his life for his country while flying a helicopter in Saudi Arabia. He is memorialized at the Major McCarthy Memorial Triangle, East 31st Street, Avenue N and Kings Highway.
Nazareth High School honors their fallen hero and alumnus each year by sponsoring the annual Major Eugene McCarthy Memorial 5K Race.
All proceeds from the race will benefit the Nazareth Cares Scholarship Program, which provides tuition assistance to students attending Nazareth Regional High School.
Registration for this year’s race is available online at www.active.com.