Community Supports Fourth-Annual 'On Your Marc' 5K

On the early morning of Aug. 4, nearly 550 people came out to participate in the fourth “On Your Marc” 5K run and walk.

The annual event took place at the Lower Providence Firehouse “Fairgrounds” in Eagleville, where participants began and ended their on-foot tour through the streets of Lower Providence.

The hundreds of runners and walkers helped to raise funds for the nonprofit organization Small Steps in Speech, which partners with individuals and organizations that aid youth with speech disabilities. The participants also come out to honor the memory of Marc Small, a native of Lower Providence and a U.S. Army Special Forces Green Beret medic, killed while serving in Afghanistan in 2009.

“It’s so exciting to see such a turnout,” Don Thomas, a member of the township’s Board of Supervisors, said. “Everything has gone off without a hitch.”

Thomas with his wife and their dog Furball participated with the Ameriprise Financial walking team. His son, Tyler, ran in the race portion of the event.

According to Thomas, the township works closely with event organizers and volunteers each year. One of the major township contributions is allowing the participants to use township streets for the event. Lower Providence Police escort the runners and walkers, as the event progresses.

“Ever since we found out what happened, the police department and community have supported the family,” Lower Providence Police Lt. Stan Turtle said. “And, we will continue to do so.”

According to Karl Lukens, the township’s Parks and Recreation Director, the annual “On Your Marc” 5k has been the only event of its kind in recent memory. 

Lukens said that the township is more than willing to help with this event, such as handling the online registration.

“The big thing is it shows the community comes together,” Lukens said.

In a , Mary MacFarland, president of Small Steps in Speech and Marc’s mother, said that the “On Your Marc” has consistently been a popular event. She added that the event itself has taken place near or on Marc’s birthday.

Lukens observed that such well-attended charitable events typically decrease in participation over the years.

“But, this is just growing,” Lukens said. “It has a lot to do with the family, they just attract people.”

Amanda Charney, founder and executive director of Small Steps in Speech, who was also Marc’s fiancée, also gives much credit to her organization’s board for coordinating the event this year.

“We’re raising money for a good cause,” Charney said.

She added, while many of the event’s participants are local, some also come from as far away as New Jersey, Virginia, Florida and Maryland.

“I run 20 different races in a course of a year, but I would never miss this one,” Jamie Bergy of Zionsville said.

Bergy said he had read about the race and was moved by the community’s response to honor the memory of a native son and American soldier.

“He gave the ultimate sacrifice,” Bergy said. “It’s because of guys like him, who give us our freedom.”

While, Bergy couldn’t run in this year’s event, due to recent surgery, his son, Colin, participated for the first time.

“It was pretty inspiring and courageous to go over there,” Colin Bergy said. “Which is why I ran today.”

According to Charney, 70 volunteers helped with this year’s “On Your Marc” event. One such volunteer, Pat MacKenzie, helped provide watering dishes for the event’s newest canine participants.

MacKenzie has also known Marc and his family for over a decade, as she is their next door neighbor.

“It was the saddest thing to see all the people there,” MacKenzie said, recalling the overwhelming community response after learning of Marc’s death.

She said that police had to provide round-the-clock presence at the family’s home for the first week, so great was the response.

MacKenzie said she is impressed at how quickly the “On Your Marc” event has grown, and is happy to help her neighbors.

“What better way to honor somebody,” MacKenzie said. “You’re going to face this anniversary every year, but this is a positive and good way to channel that energy.”

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For more information, visit www.smallstepsinspeech.org.