Saturday's Sixth Annual Van Davis Memorial 5K Run/Walk has been canceled due to the forecast of inclement weather, National Park College said Thursday in a news release.
"Our first priority is the safety of our participants and volunteers," Sara Brown, director of development for National Park College, said in the release.
All other homecoming events on NPC's campus will be held as scheduled.
"We hope that you will consider this a donation to a very worthy cause and join us next year," Brown said. "All registrants will receive their T-shirt and be eligible for a discount for next year's event."
Packet pickup will be held as scheduled in the Ralph Pinkerton building from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Any shirts not picked up by Wednesday will be mailed to registrants.
The race, which has grown over the years, was started to honor longtime faculty member Van Davis' memory in a way fitting of his personality and interests, which included marathon running.
This is the first time the race has been canceled.
The Van Davis Memorial Scholarship, which was created to continue the legacy established by Davis, is funded by proceeds from the 5K run/ walk. Over the past four years, the event has contributed more than $53,000 to the scholarship endowment.
Not only was Davis a member of the faculty at NPC, but he served as chair of the social sciences division, teaching and inspiring students for nearly 38 years.
Two recipients have already been named for the 2017 Van Davis Memorial Scholarship -- Dee Mikkelsen and Kasey Tillery were each awarded a $1,000 scholarship.
Call the NPC Foundation office at 501-760-4129 for more information.
Local on 02/23/2018