NAVAIR PATUXENT RIVER, Md. --The 2nd Annual Leatherneck 5k benefiting the Injured Marine Semper Fi Fund is scheduled for April 12 at 9:30 a.m. at the O'Club here.

Last year’s race raised almost $16,000 for the fund and according to Capt. Christopher Litty, the race director, hope runs high that this year’s event will bring even greater participation as word about the event spreads.

Established in 2004, the Semper Fi Fund provides financial support to Marines, Sailors, or any service member attached to a Marine unit at the time they are injured.

According to the nonprofit organization’s website at www.semperfifund.org, it provides everything from emergency money to help family members travel to the injured service members’ bedside, to funds that help cover unexpected expenses the family incurs as a result of the injury.

The fund also provides grants that help with long-term needs such as specialized equipment and handicap home and car modifications. This effort greatly improves the quality of life for those wounded in the line of duty, who return home and face endless challenges while putting their lives back together.

The inaugural race was the idea of Marines from the Marine Aviation Detachment assigned to Pax River who had experienced what the IMSFF was capable of first hand.

“The IMSFF has provided assistance to several of the Marines of MAD when they were wounded during their tours in Iraq” said Litty.

Another local organization firmly behind the cause is PMA-276.

Last year more than $5,000 was raised through bake sales, raffles, and the sale of t-shirts, as well as participation by many of their employees in the race, according to Katie Powell, a budget analyst with the program.

Online registration is available by visiting the event website at http://www.active.com/event_detail.cfm?EVENT_ID=1485847 Cost is $20 per individual until 12:00 p.m. on April 7th. On-site registration will also be available the morning of the race for $25.

Check-in will begin at 8 a.m. on race day at the Cedar Point Officers’ Club. Participants will then follow a course that includes scenic views of the Patuxent River and Chesapeake Bay coastline.

Each registrant will also receive a unique event souvenir to commemorate their effort. All participants must have a valid military ID, DoD Installation sticker or base pass to gain access to the station.

For more information contact Litty at 301-342-1101/1103.

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