The Chuck Lelas Memorial 10K is a not-for-profit organization which serves as a scholarship fund for local college-bound student-athletes.

As many of you know, Chuck Lelas passed away suddenly of a massive heart attack on September 2, 2003. For those of you who knew him socially, you knew of his appetite for life, his jokes and laughter, and of course his ability to wisecrack with the best of them! For those of you who knew him at work, you knew of his hard work and the dedication and commitment he had for his students and his athletes. And even if you just knew him briefly, you knew of his love for the Yankees, baseball, and coaching. As a father, teacher, counselor, and coach, he dedicated his life to working with young people in academia and on the playing field. He always emphasized first and foremost the importance of being a good person, then a good student, and then a good athlete. To those who counted on his unwavering support and guidance, he is truly a hero and his loss is deafening.

In honor of one of life's unheralded heroes and in celebration of all he gave before he left us, we began organizing the Chuck Lelas Memorial "You Gotta Have Heart" 10K Run/Walk in late 2003 and the first run/walk was held on his birthday, Saturday, May 8, 2004. Its success enabled us to donate $6,000 to provide scholarships for local college-bound student-athletes and $1,000 for equipment for American International College baseball in 2004 and again in 2005, 2006 and 2007.

Thanks to the organizers, volunteers, participants and the many supporters (individuals and businesses alike) who have helped to make the Chuck Lelas Memorial 10K a tremendous annual event. For more information, email us at raceinfo@lelas.org.