Still Time to Register for "Finish at the 50" Road Race at Gillette Stadium on July 3

The Finish at the 50 road race that ends at Gillette Stadium’s midfield on July 3 will include the HERO (Human Education Resource Officer) Campaign among the charities it supports this year, according to Norfolk District Attorney Michael W. Morrissey.       

The 5K, 10K and Kids’ Run are part of an all-day event starting at noon with children’s activities around Patriot Place and the stadium and ending with fireworks at 9 p.m.  The Kid’s Run, which also ends at the 50-yard line, begins at 3 p.m.; the adult races start at 6 p.m.

“When runners register on-line, they can choose from a small list of charities that will benefit from their registration fees,” Morrissey said.  

“I will be there with the parents of Ensign John R. Elliott, for whom the foundation that drives the HERO Campaign is named," he said. 

The mission of the Ensign John R. Elliott HERO Compaign for Designated Drivers is, "To prevent drunk driving fatalities, injuries, and accidents nationwide by promoting the use of sober designated drivers and reminding the public to drive sober and not to let friends drink and drive." 

In 2000, Elliott, 22, a graduate of the Naval Academy, was struck and killed by a drunken driver on his way home for his mother’s birthday. The driver had been arrested on DUI charges and released only to get back in the car drunk, killing himself and John.

The name of the campaign comes from an honor John received at Annapolis, having been elected by his peers as a Human Education Resource Officer (HERO) to mentor other cadets. John was selected as the outstanding HERO in his graduating class.

The HERO Campaign, which has a partnership with the Kraft Organization and the New England Patriots football team, is dedicated to saving lives on the roads by encouraging people to “Be a HERO, be a designated driver,” and by working with restaurants and organizations like the Patriots to encourage people to be designated drivers.

“I have partnered with Gillette Stadium and Patriot Place to support the HERO Campaign, and I would invite anyone in Norfolk County or beyond to take part in this event and, if you choose to run, consider the HERO Campaign when you register,” District Attorney Morrissey said.

“July 3 is a good time to honor a hero, and it is always a good time to prevent drunk driving,” he said.

According to the Road Race website, “The new 5K distance welcomes runners and walkers to celebrate a fit and healthy lifestyle. The course is traffic-free and runs completely within the Patriot Place grounds around and inside Gillette Stadium.  Enjoy the view from various parts of Gillette Stadium, including the 300-level concourse overlooking the scenery of the surrounding communities.”  

For more information or to register, visit Harvard Pilgrim Finish at the 50.