Somers Point, N.J. – The John R. Elliott HERO Campaign for Designated Drivers will hold its 7th Annual HERO Walk to prevent drunk driving at 6th Street and the Boardwalk on Sunday, October 29.

For the first time, the event will include a competitive 5k run with prizes for men and women at various age groups.

“We have added the run to this year’s event in response to popular interest and requests over the years,” said William Elliott, HERO co-chairman and CEO of the campaign. “It brings a fun, competitive element that will expand our community involvement and support for the campaign.

“We also invite teams to walk in memory of loves ones they’ve lost to drunk driving tragedies,” said co-chairman Muriel Elliott. “They are an inspiration to our community.”

The HERO Campaign is a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting the use of safe and sober designated drivers to prevent drunk driving tragedies in memory of Navy Ensign John Elliott of Egg Harbor Township, who was killed in a collision with a drunk driver in July, 2000.

Registration starts at 9 a.m. at the Ocean City sports and Civic Center, 6^th Street and the Boardwalk. The 5K run starts at 9:30 a.m. followed by the walk at 11 a.m. Participants can pre-register for individually or as a team at HEROwalkrun.org.

The Egg Harbor Township High School cheerleaders will be performing at the start of the 7^th Annual HERO Walk and 5K Run on Sunday, October 29, at 6^th street and the Ocean City Boardwalk.