Mike Reese Memorial 5K returns this weekend at Mammoth Park

An event that raises money for local athletes with limited financial resources while honoring state Rep. Mike Reese is set to return this weekend.

The Mike Reese Memorial 5K — Roast, Run and Family Fun event will take place Sunday at Mammoth Park in Mt. Pleasant Township.

“The day begins with a 5K but continues into the afternoon with lunch, family fun and entertainment,” Dawn Keefer, an event organizer, said in a news release. “The event combines two things that Mike really felt strongly about — athletics and family.”

Reese was 42 when he died in 2021 of an apparent brain aneurysm. He served 12 years in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives and had been elected to his seventh term in office in November 2021. He represented Westmoreland and Somerset County residents in the 59th Legislative District.

This is the second time the event is being held by organizers of the Mike Reese Memorial Fund.

Last year, the event attracted more than 230 people who raised about $15,000, Keefer said.

Funds were used to provide scholarships to local high school graduates and to athletes seeking to participate in travel team athletic programs but who have limited financial resources.

Grants also were provided to athletic organizations for equipment and capital improvements.

“For Mike, athletics was where he learned a lot of life’s lessons about resiliency and dedication,” said Angela Reese, Mike’s wife. “As a legislator, he recalled on those lessons quite a bit. This memorial fund is one of the ways that Mike and his memory will continue to serve our great community.”

Sunday’s 5K begins at 10 a.m. Lunch, which will be served at 11:30 a.m., will include a roasted pig, kielbasa and sauerkraut.

Tickets can be purchased online at mikereesememorialfund.com/upcoming-events. The cost is $40 for those 21 and older and $20 for those under 21.

Additional donations will be accepted throughout the event.

“We’re thankful to have that in our community now to help our kids,” Keefer said. “That’s something Mike was passionate about. We’re happy to be helping to continue on his love of the community that we live in and giving back.”