LUDLOW —Chief Daniel Valadas and the Ludlow Police Department would like to invite community members and residents to participate in a road race to honor the Sgt. Joshua A. Desforges Scholarship and support the scholarship fund.
The road race will take place Saturday, April 29, starting at 9 a.m. at Ludlow High School, 500 Chapin St. The kids race will begin at 8:30 a.m. The race is open to all ages and participants can choose to either walk or run.
The race will consist of a three-mile road and trail run and include U.S. Marine Corps-inspired obstacles and challenges.
This event is held in honor of U.S. Marine Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges, a Ludlow resident who lost his life in 2010 while supporting combat operations in Afghanistan.
The race costs $30 per person and $25 for students and veterans.
The community is also invited to a Pre-Race Pasta Dinner on Friday. April 28 from 5-7 p.m. at the Ludlow Lodge of Elks, 69 Chapin St.
The pre-race pasta dinner will feature 50/50 raffles, prizes and more. Community members can also register for the race during the dinner.
Dinner tickets are $15 per person, $7 for kids, or residents can purchase a family pack which covers a family of four for $40. The meal includes penne pasta, meatballs and sausages, salad, and cake.
All proceeds from the race and dinner will go to benefit the Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges Scholarship Fund.
To purchase tickets for the dinner, community members can call Ludlow Veterans Services at 419-385-1790.
To register for the race, click here.
About Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges
Joshua D. Desforges grew up in Ludlow and graduated from Ludlow Public Schools in 2004 before joining the United States Marine Corps a few months later, attending boot camp in Parris Island, South Carolina.
Josh attended the School of Infantry and was a member of the Close Quarters Battle Team and was promoted to Sergeant in 2008.
His first deployment was from March to September 2008.
During his time with the Marine Corps, Josh became a Pistol Sharpshooter and a Second Award Rifle Expert. He also received various medals and awards for courage and bravery, ultimately earning the Purple Heart Medal for sacrificing his life for his country.
Josh lost his life in 2010 while defending his country in Helmand Province, Afghanistan.
For more information about Joshua D. Desforges, please click here.
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