Joel Gentz
- Date Sat 26th April 2025
- Time 9:30AM EST
- Location West Lafayette, Indiana
- Price Free
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for the vibrant Joel Gentz 5k on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in West Lafayette, Tippecanoe, at the beautiful Purdue University campus. This exciting race pays tribute to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms, honoring the legacy of Captain Joel Gentz, a distinguished Purdue alumnus and U.S. Air Force officer. Participants can enjoy a scenic 5k route while supporting a noble cause, as all proceeds will benefit the Joel Gentz Memorial Scholarship, awarded annually to a deserving Air Force ROTC student.
Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, the Joel Gentz 5k promises a supportive and uplifting atmosphere. On race day, registration and packet pick-up will be available, accepting cash, card, or checks. Every donation of $20 or more includes a stylish T-shirt upon check-in. Runners will have the chance to earn awards for the top finishers in male and female categories, divided by age group, while everyone can enjoy complimentary food and water. Come out and be part of this meaningful event that celebrates courage, community, and the spirit of perseverance!
Whether you're a seasoned runner or a casual walker, the Joel Gentz 5k promises a supportive and uplifting atmosphere. On race day, registration and packet pick-up will be available, accepting cash, card, or checks. Every donation of $20 or more includes a stylish T-shirt upon check-in. Runners will have the chance to earn awards for the top finishers in male and female categories, divided by age group, while everyone can enjoy complimentary food and water. Come out and be part of this meaningful event that celebrates courage, community, and the spirit of perseverance!
Organiser's Description
The Joel Gentz 5k is a race at Purdue University in honor of the service men and women that have paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedoms.
Captain Joel Gentz graduated with honors from Purdue in 2007 with a degree in Aeronautical engineering. He was a member of Air Force ROTC as well as Arnold Air Society, The Order of Iron Key, Old Masters, and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While attending Purdue he met his wife, Kathryn.
After graduation, Gentz commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was selected to become a Combat Rescue Officer, the first to ever be selected out of college. After completing Pararescue training, one of the most rigorous training pipelines in the military, he was assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He then deployed to Afghanistan. He performed over 50 hours of combat time. On June 9, 2010, Gentz was killed in action when his helicopter crashed during a rescue mission near Forward Operating Base Jackson.
-All proceeds will go to benefit the Joel Gentz Memorial Scholarship, an annual scholarship awarded to current Air Force ROTC student that best embodies Joels spirit
-Registration and Packet pick up available race day (accepting cash, card, or checks)
-Donations of $20 or more include a T-Shirt upon check-in to the race
-Top finishes include award packages
-Female and Male awards (first, second, and third) divided by age group
-Free food and water provided
-Any donations are graciously accepted.
Captain Joel Gentz graduated with honors from Purdue in 2007 with a degree in Aeronautical engineering. He was a member of Air Force ROTC as well as Arnold Air Society, The Order of Iron Key, Old Masters, and the Phi Delta Theta fraternity. While attending Purdue he met his wife, Kathryn.
After graduation, Gentz commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He was selected to become a Combat Rescue Officer, the first to ever be selected out of college. After completing Pararescue training, one of the most rigorous training pipelines in the military, he was assigned to the 58th Rescue Squadron, located at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada. He then deployed to Afghanistan. He performed over 50 hours of combat time. On June 9, 2010, Gentz was killed in action when his helicopter crashed during a rescue mission near Forward Operating Base Jackson.
-All proceeds will go to benefit the Joel Gentz Memorial Scholarship, an annual scholarship awarded to current Air Force ROTC student that best embodies Joels spirit
-Registration and Packet pick up available race day (accepting cash, card, or checks)
-Donations of $20 or more include a T-Shirt upon check-in to the race
-Top finishes include award packages
-Female and Male awards (first, second, and third) divided by age group
-Free food and water provided
-Any donations are graciously accepted.
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