30 years of honoring Will Robinson
A large crowd gathered on Georgia Military College’s campus Jan. 17 to race and spectate the 30th annual Will Robinson Memorial Race. The event featured two opportunities for runners to participate, beginning with the Memorial Mile, a shorter fun run, followed by the 5K, the main event of the day.
Deputy Will Robinson tragically lost his life in the line of duty. He was a Georgia Military College alumnus who “loved helping others, loved life, and loved to learn. He was always a good student, and he was looking forward to working on a master’s degree,” said Thomas Robinson, brother of Will Robinson.
The Will Robinson Memorial Race is sponsored by the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office and the Georgia Military College Alumni Association. Proceeds from the event support GMC’s scholarship in Robinson’s name, as well as the CHAMPS program with the sheriff’s office. The day began with registration and opening remarks prior to 10 a.m.
Following both races, an awards ceremony was held where winning participants received medals and enjoyed refreshments. Water, bananas, oranges and cake were offered to runners and their guests.
The cake honored Will Robinson’s birthday, which is a few days after the race on Jan. 21.
“It’s funny how the time has kind of flown by, but stood still at the same time,” Robinson said while reflecting on the event’s 30th year. “My family is thankful that everybody continues to come here and show up to honor William’s legacy. We appreciate that GMC keeps a scholarship going in his name. You know, while he may not be here with us, his legacy will.”
Eleanor Dykema, a cadet at Georgia Military College, volunteered at the race.
“After we graduate, we’re all going to go on to places that are all over the world,” Dykema said.
“I think it’s cool that we’re taking our time while we’re here to use it wisely and supporting the place and the people that are supporting us.”
The overall winner of the 5K was 14-year-old Nicholas Harris with a time of 18 minutes and 57 seconds. The overall female winner was Pearl Sanders with a time of 27 minutes and five seconds. “Every day officers put their lives on the line for the community they serve. It is a great honor to have a small part in assisting them with programs that they believe in but also support our student base,” GMC Director of Communications Kenley Pearce said. “It is a bittersweet moment to reach this milestone. For Will’s family, friends, and fellow classmates, it seems like only yesterday that he left their lives. His memory and legacy have lived on through these races and have made a true impact on the community that he loved so much.
Knowing that there are 30 years’ worth of lasting impact on a community is pretty powerful.”