2023 Athletes Packet
Available now! Click the link to access.
Supporting our mission: How your donation helps
We wanted to share how the funds will be allocated to support important causes.
Donations will go toward the Zafira Braga College Tuition Fund. As many of you know, Fernando Braga tragically left us, leaving behind his 9-year-old daughter, Zafira. Our collective effort aims to provide a brighter future for Zafira, offering support for her education and ensuring she has opportunities to thrive.
The remaining donations will be divided between two remarkable organizations. The first is Stop Soldier Suicide, a 501(c)3 nonprofit founded and led by veterans. Their mission is to prevent military suicide by offering crucial support, resources, and advocacy. Together, we can help provide life-saving assistance to those who have served our country.
The second organization is Warrior Ranch Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that uses equine-assisted therapy to reduce the symptoms of post-traumatic stress. Rescued and retrained horses are partnered with veterans where they learn to be "in the moment" and feed off of each other's energy. If the veteran is practicing calm breathing, the horse will mimic this same behavior.
For more info, visit their website: Stop Soldier Suicide and Warrior Ranch Foundation.
Race Location
Vassar College
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW FOR THE RUN & WALK RACE DATE
Race will be professionally timed with an inflatable finish line and live results.
Awards
The awards ceremony will take place at race site on Joss Beach at 10:15am. Awards will be given to 1st, 2nd, and 3rd places in the following categories:
GIRLS: 14 years old and under
BOYS: 14 years old and under
FEMALES: 15 years old and over
MALES: 15 years old and over
Date and Time
Sunday, October 1, 2023 is the date! Race begins at 9:00 am.
The Course
Braga 5K course will be clearly marked (signs and chalked up roads/sidewalks). Volunteers will be present throughout the course directing runners/walkers at key intersections.
Start and Finish Line: Joss Beach
Training Tips
Want to prepare for the Braga 5K? Watch the following video:
In the News:
Click on the title to access media:
“What it’s like to go from war to a liberal arts college” BY MAX KUTNER , May 29, 2017
SAR REMEMBRANCE CEREMONY FOR U.S. ARMY VETERAN FERNANDO BRAGA, Brooklyn, NY with BVSJ, June 9, 2023
"A Run and Walk in Poughkeepsie Against Suicide Risk in Veterans" - Mariel Fiori, La Voz con Mariel Fiori, August 9, 2023
“VVA organizes 5K honoring Vassar veteran” - Makenna Monaghan, September 6, 2023, The Miscellany News
“Every Race Has a Story: The Important Mission of the Braga 5K” - Pete Colaizzo, September 12, 2023
“Braga 5K Honors Late Vassar Vet” - Larry Hertz, September 18, 2023
The Boris and Robyn Show WPDH - Braga 5K Segment, September 27, 2023