Trooper Iwaniec Race combating impaired driving returns to Saint Vincent campus

Runners and walkers will be welcomed back in person this month to the Saint Vincent College campus for the 13th annual Trooper Iwaniec Memorial Race.

The TakeOff event at the college in Unity is set for April 23 but was limited to a virtual format the past two years because of pandemic precautions. It has raised money to provide nearly 3,000 preliminary breath test devices to law enforcement agencies — a cause adopted by the local family of the late Kenton Iwaniec, a 24-year-old state trooper in Chester County who was fatally injured in 2008 when his vehicle was struck head-on by an intoxicated driver.

“We’re real excited to be back with an in-person event,” said Acacia Houck of Scottdale, Iwaniec’s sister.

Those who attend the 8:40 a.m. event beginning at Fred Rogers Center will find six race options, including two for kids. There will be several other activities and displays.

A virtual option is continuing, with expanded choices for participants.

“Having both options, I think, is a great way to raise awareness about the dangers of impaired driving while continuing Kenton’s legacy of protecting the community,” Houck said.

Those who decide to participate virtually can complete a 5K or 10K walk or run at a location of their choosing. For a 42-Mile Challenge, inspired by Iwaniec’s favorite number, participants are to complete the noted distance by April 30 — through any combination of walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming or paddling.

New this year, racers will have until Dec. 31 to log a total of 542 miles through any of the same modes of travel.

“The 42-mile challenge was extremely popular, so we thought, ‘Let’s go one step longer,’ ” said Debby Iwaniec of Cook Township, the late trooper’s mother. “A lot of people were asking for longer mileage.”

The goal this year is to raise $100,000, allowing for the purchase of 200 more breath test units.

The continued need for such units sadly was underlined on March 21, when state troopers Martin Mack III and Branden Sisca and a pedestrian they were trying to help were fatally struck on a Philadelphia interstate by a 21-year-old driver who has been charged with third-degree murder, second-degree manslaughter of a law enforcement officer and homicide by vehicle while driving under the influence.

“It’s just an unnecessary loss of beautiful lives,” Debby Iwaniec said of the triple-fatal crash. “Our hearts go out to their families and the Pennsylvania State Police family. It’s a preventable crime. We simply need people to make smart decisions, to plan ahead and not to drive impaired.”

The in-person event also will include: basket and special ticket auctions; police motorcycle and K-9 demonstrations; a state police helicopter, weather permitting; demonstrations of breathalyzer and field sobriety tests; and children’s games and activities.

Rising young singing star and Unity resident Victory Brinker is slated to sing the national anthem. Adam Rawding, an officer with the Penn State University Police Department, will craft balloon art for kids.

Registration can be completed on Race Day, from 7 to 8:30 a.m., or online at trooperiwaniec.org.

Entry fees for in-person options are $20 for those age 10 or younger, $40 for all others. Fees for virtual participants are $100 for the 542-Mile Challenge, $40 for other options. Either the 42-Mile Challenge or the 542-Mile Challenge can be bundled with one of the in-person options for an extra $20.