The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers will hold its 25th Anniversary HERO Walk on Sunday, Oct. 19 on the Ocean City Boardwalk.
More than 350 supporters and victim families are expected for the event, which raises funds and awareness for the nonprofit campaign and its mission to prevent drunk driving by promoting the use of safe and responsible designated drivers.
Scores of area high school students will be among the participants for the walk, which begins with registration at 9:30 a.m. in the 6th Street Civic Center. A one-mile fun run kicks off at 10 a.m. and a memorial ceremony for victims of DUI will be held at 10:30 a.m. The 5K HERO Walk starts at 11 a.m. To pre-register, go to www.herowalkrun.org. Adult pre-registration is $25 and $15 for students, including a commemorative 25th anniversary HERO tee shirt. Day-of registration is an additional $10. Face painting will be offered and 25th Anniversary HERO logowear will be on sale
At the 10:30 a.m. memorial ceremony, a moment of silence will be observed to honor the memories of victims of drunk driving crashes, whose pictures will be displayed on a memory banner. Miss Night in Venice 2025 Giuliana Guardascione will lead the parade of walkers at 11:00 a.m.
HERO police cruisers from 20 police departments, wrapped with the HERO message promoting designated driving will be on display, along with the first-ever HERO tow truck.
Owned by Courthouse Towing of Marmora, the HERO Truck provides towing services for the Garden State Parkway and Atlantic City Expressway, including the impounding of the vehicles of DUI offenders under John’s Law, named after Navy Ensign John Elliott.
The new HERO Tow Truck will be on display at the HERO Walk
The HERO Campaign promotes the use of safe and sober designated drivers in partnership with schools and colleges, police departments, bar and tavern owners, highway safety agencies, and NFL and Major League Baseball teams.
