Annual run honors legacy of beloved San Marino Marine
SAN MARINO – The J.P. Blecksmith Leadership Foundation, a nonprofit organization founded in memory of fallen American soldier J.P. Blecksmith, will host its 20th-annual 5K run in San Marino on July 4.
James Patrick (J.P.) Blecksmith was a San Marino resident who served as a 2nd Lieutenant in the U.S. Marine Corps until his death in November of 2004.
Blecksmith was killed during “Operation Phantom Fury,” an offensive in Fallujah, Iraq, during the Iraq War. But in the area, his imprint has not been forgotten.
The foundation was founded in 2005 with a mission of keeping Blecksmith’s legacy and leadership alive.
“J.P. was a gifted athlete, a compassionate friend, a fierce patriot and a devoted leader,” reads the organization’s website. “With a great sense of humor, J.P. had an infinite list of dreams, goals and aspirations.”
The foundation holds annual 5K runs, raising money through fundraisers as a way to support memorial scholarship funds in Blecksmith’s name. One of their scholarships is awarded to a rising senior at Flintridge Preparatory School in La Cañada Flintridge, where Blecksmith attended.
Alex Blecksmith, brother of J.P., is the president and founder of the organization. He said that this event is one small way to keep his brother’s legacy alive.
“It’s a testament to his service, his legacy, and [it] brings the community together to make sure it’s perpetuated,” he said. “He’s somebody who was a great athlete, a great person, and someone who lived his life doing what was right and lifted people up.”
When asked about public support for the foundation, Blecksmith said that the 5K became a broader, community-based event.
“It’s pretty remarkable,” said Blecksmith. “When it started in 2005, it was really [about] community-based turnout. We had phenomenal support from the city of San Marino, the police department, the fire department, the recreation department and the San Marino and Pasadena communities.”
According to Blecksmith, nearly 900 people registered for the 5K in 2019.
“It’s really become a tradition for how people start their Fourth of July,” he said. “We get everything from your competitive runners who are running a 5K in 16 minutes, to people walking their dogs, kids, families…we are open to everybody.”
Blecksmith said that he remains amazed by people who actively participate and look forward to the event each year.
He said that the event is a “beautiful way to start your Fourth of July.”
According to Blecksmith, the event is “low pressure and fun,” welcoming first-time runners as well as experienced ones. It offers a professionally timed course with wide streets, water stations, snacks, safe areas and primarily flat terrain.
“It’s something that I’m able to put on with the support of phenomenal volunteers and people that care greatly about making sure that it happens each year and that we work to make it a little bit better every time,” he said.
The 5K will begin at 8 a.m. on Thursday, July 4, at the intersection of Huntington and Sierra Madre streets.
For more information about the event, including registration and course details, visit https://jpb5k2024.racewire.com/register.php?id=14117&topic=map#event_info.