Ludlow honors fallen resident with race challenge

Date: 4/25/2022

LUDLOW – After two years of virtual workout events, the annual Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges Walk/Run Challenge returns for its in-person obstacle course and race at Ludlow High School on April 30.

Before the race kicks off, Ludlow Veterans’ Agent Eric Segundo said people can look forward to a pasta dinner on April 29 at the Polish American Citizens Club, located at 355 East St.

“Friday night is the pasta dinner, which is open to everyone, not just those participating in the race, but those who are participating in the race, they’ll pick up their bibs that night. All the proceeds go to the scholarship fund,” he said.

In terms of the meal, people can expect pasta, meatballs, sausage, salad and cannoli. Segundo said there will also be raffle prizes available. Participation in the pasta dinner costs $10 per person and $5 per child.

Following the pasta dinner, the main event kicks off on Saturday morning at Ludlow High School.

“There’s a kids race that begins at 8:30 [a.m.] but the main race for everyone else starts at 9 [a.m.] It’s a combination of obstacle courses and race, run, walk – however you want to do it. It’s made for your pace, it’s for everyone to be able to participate,” he said.
Participation in the challenge costs $30 per adult and $25 for veterans and students. Runners are encouraged to sign up ahead of time but people will be accepted as runners the day of the race.

In terms of the course, Segundo said it begins behind Ludlow High School, goes up through the woods to the Fish and Game Club and back with obstacles along the way.

Segundo said the idea for the race and the Sgt. Joshua D. Desforges Scholarship came from Desforges’ mother, Arlene.

“This was Mrs. Desforges, she wanted to do something to honor her son, and this is something that she feels would honor the memory of the son, to give those high school students a scholarship to do what their passion wants them to do,” he said.
All proceeds from the race and dinner go directly into the scholarship, which, according to the race’s website, is open to all Ludlow High School seniors.

“The award is very unique in that it isn’t awarded to join the military. The award is given to a student of Ludlow High School who is planning to follow their dream, just like Josh did when he joined the Marines. Every year since the inception of the award, thousands of dollars have been awarded to the Ludlow High School seniors,” the website explains.

Along with the race and pasta dinner, Segundo said Villa Rose also hosted a fundraiser night in honor of Desforges on April 27.

During the fundraiser, 20 percent of all guest checks – excluding drinks – from that evening went into the scholarship fund.
Segundo added the scholarship winner will be announced toward the end of the school year.

With a large turnout expected again, Segundo said the race tends to be one of the community’s larger events.

“We can get close to 200 participants, that doesn’t include the people that come to watch and the vendor tables that will be set up. The Marines will have a table, the Vets’ Center will come down as well, the VFW, the Auxiliary, so it’s another community event,” he said.

Segundo said Desforges immediately signed up for the Marines after he graduated.

“He had a passion to serve as a young marine himself, when he graduated high school he joined the marines, he was killed in action in Afghanistan and was the only post-9/11 casualty for the town,” he said.

With the race and remembrance of Desforges, Segundo said the town highlights how much it cares for its military community.

“His mom is a schoolteacher in town, the family is well-known, and this town is a very patriotic, military-loving, caring town. Josh, his name and his memory live on in this community. Back several years ago the VFW changed its name in honor of Josh to continue his legacy for many years to come,” he said.

For more information and to sign up for the race, visit www.raceentry.com/sgt-joshua-d-desforges-run/race-information.