Skip to Top NavigationSkip to ContentSkip to Footer
Ferris State University BulldogFerris State University Logo

Ryan's Run to Benefit Ferris HVACR Students

Ryan's Run

Registration is open for Ryan’s Run, a 5K race to honor a former Ferris State University student and support students majoring in his chosen field, Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.

The family of Ryan Clark is gearing up for the Saturday, June 22 event at Westview Orchards in Washington Township, near Romeo in Macomb County.

Ryan's RunClark, a Sterling Heights native, was a freshman in the HVACR program at Ferris when he was killed in a rollover accident on U.S. 131 in January 2009. His parents, Rory and Karen, and sister, Brittany, chose to honor him by establishing the Ryan Clark Annual Scholarship for students enrolled in the College of Engineering Technology program.

The inaugural charity run last year drew 242 runners and raised $7,500 for the scholarship. The event also raised $3,000 for the Sterling Heights Stevenson High School Cross Country Scholarship and $3,000 for Gift of Life Michigan. Ryan ran cross country for his high school, and was an organ donor.

The Clark family is hoping for continued support for the 2013 race.

“We would love to double our runners this year,” said Karen Clark. “We are also hoping to double the amount of money donated to the scholarship this year.”

The run will begin at 9 a.m. at Westview Orchards, where Ryan worked during high school. The course winds through the orchard, and includes gravel, grass and rolling hills. The family-friendly venue also features a petting farm, ice cream shop, strawberry picking and other activities.

Registration is $20. Pre-registered participants for the run or walk will receive a T-shirt; deadline is midnight Thursday, June 20. Late registration will begin at 7 a.m. on race day. To pre-register, go to this site.

Awards will be presented to the top finishers in various categories.

The Governor’s Council on Physical Fitness, Health and Sports has recognized Ryan’s Run as a quality physical activity event, and it will be included in the Pure Michigan FITness Series endorsement program.

For more information about the event, visit here.

To learn more about applying for the Ryan Clark Annual Scholarship, call (231) 591-3983. For information about how to make a gift to the scholarship, call the university’s Advancement office at (231) 591-3815.