COURSE REROUTE DUE TO FLOODING
New Date: Same Date - 4/13/24
Due to flooding and significant debris on a portion of the Dresden River bike trail both the Harper Classic 8k and 5k Courses will require adjustments to the tradition course used in years past.
New 5k route - 2024 Harper Classic - 5k Reroute - MapMyRun
New 8k route (Please not the 8k route is long (8.8k / 5.5mi) as we need to use roads available to us) - 2024 Harper Classic - 8k Reroute - MapMyRun
HOMETOWN HERO
Sgt. Brad Harper joined the Marine Corps in December of 1998. He was assigned to 4th Assault Amphibian Battalion (4th AAV). Brad also served on the Virginia Beach Police Department as a Patrol Officer in the 2nd precinct. August 1st 2005 While conducting operations in Haditha Iraq six Marines were overrun and killed by insurgents. Brad volunteered for “Operation Quick Strike" Intended to recover those Marines, find the insurgents responsible and to disrupt militants' presence in the area. On the second day of the operation, a Marine amphibious assault vehicle transporting Marines to the initial assault, hit a huge roadside bomb. Brad and 14 others lost their lives in that explosion. Brad died attempting to recover the bodies of his fellow Marines and to hold those responsible accountable.
COUNTDOWN TO RACE DAY
LIFE OF SERVICE
Brad lived a life of service, not only was he a Marine and a Police Officer he was well know for helping those in his community. Since the beginning The Harper Classic has continue Brads legacy of a Life of Service and has donated funds raised each year to various charities and organizations that serve those communities that Brad was passionate about. This year event proceeds will support:
The Brad Harper Scholarship is part of the Tri-Valley Endowment fund and is awarded to Students interested in pursuing a Career in Law enforcement.
