Megan MacF arland, a Lower Providence resident and junior at James Madison University, has organized a 5K run in honor of her older brother Marc Small, who was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan.

The run/walk, to be held in conjunction with the township, will begin and end at the Lower Providence Township Building, 30 Parklane Drive, Eagleville, on Saturday, Aug. 1. Early check-in will be Friday, July 31, from 5 to 7 p.m. at the pavilion near the playground. Race day check-in will begin at 7:30 a.m., with the race commencing at 8:30 a.m.

Marc Small was a Special Forces Medic serving with the U.S. Army when he was killed. He had only been in Afghanistan for three weeks, but during that time he built a relationship with the local people and children. Megan notes that “His unexpected passing has been a tragedy to our family, but we know he would have wanted us to continue his memory in positive aspects.”

This run, which the family hopes to hold annaully on the Saturday closest to Marc's birthday in August, is an opportunity for the community to honor the sacrifice of this fine young man, as well as to support a cause he believed in, the “Small Steps in Speech” foundation.

Small Steps in Speech was created by Marc’s fiancée Amanda Charney to assist children with communication disorders.

Many community organizations and businesses have pledged their support with cash and in kind donations including The Lenfest Group, The McNett Family, Globus Medical, Independence Blue Cross, J.P. Mascaro & Sons, O’Neill Properties, Streamlight, Clean as a Whistle, Lower Providence Police Association, Brandywine Realty and Robert E. Lamb, along with more than 30 local donors of prizes and refreshments.

Entertainment at the event will be provided by the band Sudden Regression.

Registration forms may be found at www.lowerprovidence.org. The registration can be completed online or mailed and race day registration is possible, beginning at 7:30 a.m.

Almost 300 runners have already registered.

The registration fee is $25, which includes an accurate, measured 5K course through the Lower Providence Park and township, a water stop on course, refreshments and entertainment at finish.

Prizes will be awarded to the top two men and women in eight separate age categories. Those who preregister will receive a T-shirt of which there is a limited supply.

For additional information, to donate refreshments or prizes, or to be a sponsor of “On Your Marc” contact Megan MacFarland, 610-416-9898 or onyourmarc8@yahoo.com

For additional information on Small Steps in Speech, visit www.smallstepsinspeech.com