Woodbridge, Va. –– The irony of Creedence Clearwater Revival’s “Have You Ever Seen the Rain” playing in the background was not lost on walkers and runners as they checked in for the 4th Annual Kyle Wilson Memorial 10K Fitness Walk on Saturday.
Despite the cold and heavy rain, several hundred people still came out to honor the fallen Prince William County firefighter, and to help fund the scholarship fund set up in his honor.
“Being a little cold for a few hours is nothing compared to Kyle’s sacrifice” said runner Jamie Campbell. “When I think about what he gave, I’m just happy to be out here supporting his legacy.”
In addition to an estimated 300 walkers who came to C.D. Hylton High School on Spriggs Road in Woodbridge –– a lower than normal turnout due to the rain –– Skinny Water and Moe’s Southwest Grill were also out to support the walk. Prince William fire and rescue teams were out in high numbers to remember a fallen comrade, and police were on hand to assist with walk safety and show their support as well.
Across from the registration table, several students from George Mason University –– Wilson’s alma mater –– students huddled under a tent and donned plastic trash bags. Their spirits were high, and several were singing and rocking along to the music as they tried to stay warm.
“One of these students will likely be the recipient of the scholarship”, shared one event supervisor “we give it out at the walk every year.”
The goal of the fitness walk was to raise enough money to establish a permanent endowment in Kyle Wilson’s name. The walk has already raised the requisite dollar amount to fund an endowment, which is a permanent scholarship for students pursuing a degree at George Mason, and its organizers are in the process of completing all of the paperwork required by the university to finalize the establishment.
Wilson’s had a passion for fitness, according to the Memorial Walk’s official website, which is why his family decided to honor his memory with a fitness walk. The 10K event is an un-timed walk is and free to participate in, although donations for the scholarship fund are collected.
Wilson is the only Prince William County firefighter to be killed in the line of duty. Wilson died in April 2007 when he was called to a house fire on Marsh Overlook Drive in the Rippon section of Woodbridge.
