Although it sounds like a snappy model of automobile, the third annual “Run for the Red GT” on Monday, May 28, 2012 honors the late Gary Troyer, a stalwart of both Pomona College and the Claremont Chapter of American Red Cross, beneficiary of the 10- and 5-kilometer runs (along with a 1-K ‘Fun Run’ for kids).

During his career at Pomona College from 1970 to retirement in 2004, Coach Troyer taught history and was the Sagehens’ swimming and water polo coach. He taught courses in scuba, sailing and windsurfing, along with a great number of Red Cross water safety classes over the years.

Coach Troyer was extremely active in the Red Cross chapter during his retirement where he was named as Volunteer of the Year in 2011. He was also active in community activities, filling a primary role in the organization of the CERT (Community Emergency Response Team) with the Claremont Police Department and assisting with the Committee on Aging and other efforts until his death in December of 2011. Coach Troyer’s wife, Linda, will be the event’s official starter.

Monday’s events, 10-kilometer and 5-K runs, along with a 1-K Kids’ Fun Run, begin with check-in and same-day registration at 6:30 a.m. at the Pomona College parking structure, 295 E. First St., just west of Strehle Track on the Pomona College campus.  Participants who have pre-registered may pick up race bibs at that location on Sunday, May 27 between 3 and 6 p.m.

Early registration fees are $30 for the 10-K, $25 for the 5-K Run/Walk and $15 for the Kids’ 1-K Fun Run. Registrations that are postmarked or delivered to the Red Cross Chapter office at 2065 N. Indian Hill Blvd. by May 21 qualify for these fees. Same-day registrations are $5 more in each category. Information on group discounts is available by contacting the chapter office at 624-0074.

Race start times on Monday, May 28 are 8 a.m. for the Kids’ Fun Run, 8:30 a.m. for the 5-K and 9:15 a.m. for the 10-K. A Health, Safety and Preparedness Fair will be held throughout the morning at the Greek Theater at Pomona College.

Following the race, award ceremonies for the 5K will be held in the Greek Theater at 9:30 a.m. and 10:15 a.m., respectively. Kevin Grier, former principal of El Roble Intermediate School in Claremont, is making a special trip from the San Francisco Bay area to emcee the ceremonies.

Race director Leo Bister noted that the large committee organizing the event is particularly grateful to this year’s presenting sponsors, BNI-Misner Charitable Foundation and Pomona Valley Hospital Medical Center. Major sponsors of the event are the Claremont COURIER and Claremont Rotary Club, along with many in-kind donors.

The group is hoping to exceed the inaugural year’s 600 runners as well as last year’s close to $26,000 for community and international aid.

—Pat Yarborough