Run for Joy: Celebrating Kind, Funny and Exceptional Gavyn’s Legacy

A very special 5K run will take place on Sunday, October 18, at Orient Beach State Park in New York – celebrating the life of an extraordinary young person and beginning what his family hopes will become a lasting legacy.

Gavyn’s Favorite 5K has a simple message: “Run for joy. Make a difference.” https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Orient/GAVYNSFAVORITE5K?raceRefCode=VIB9xuhU

Gavyn Avery Drago was just 17 when his life was tragically cut short. But in those 17 years, he made a remarkable impression on everyone he met – including his family, friends, school and wider community.

He was kind, funny, genuine and determined – a young man who cared about other people and always wanted to challenge himself.

Gavyn was captain of his school’s track and cross-country teams and loved running. At 14, he decided he wanted to complete a half marathon. He did it – and by the age of 17 had completed five half marathons, including the United Airlines NYC Half.

He dreamed of one day running the New York City Marathon and even joked that when he achieved it, he would put a “26.2” sticker on the family car.

Gavyn lived with epilepsy, yet he refused to let it stop him doing the things he loved. Instead, he used his running to help others, raising thousands of dollars for the Epilepsy Foundation.

His parents, Marissa and Bryan, have created the Gavyn Avery Drago Foundation, which will support epilepsy research and help families of young people living with the condition.

The new 5K is the first major event supporting that vision.

Orient Beach State Park was chosen because it was Gavyn’s favourite 5K course. He loved its beautiful views – but also because it was flat and fast, giving him the perfect chance to chase another personal best.

But running was just one part of Gavyn’s colourful life. He was also a huge Lego fan, and his family travelled to Lego stores wherever they went – including London, Paris, Rome, California and Florida.

They loved choosing some of the most challenging sets, studying how many pieces and mini-figures they contained, and then working together to build them. It was another example of Gavyn’s curiosity, determination and ability to bring people together.

His family hopes the race will return every year, bringing people together to run, walk, remember and celebrate Gavyn.

And there is something particularly special about the event: it isn’t only about remembering what Gavyn achieved.

It is about continuing what he started – turning his determination, kindness and love of helping others into something that can make a difference for many more people.

Marissa and Bryan said: “The name of the race has a very special meaning: this was Gavyn’s favourite 5K course to run.

“He loved racing at Orient Beach State Park for not only its breathtaking views, but especially for how flat and fast it was. Gavyn was always chasing his next goal and his next personal best and, to him, this was the perfect course to do just that

.“When it came time to choose a place to run in his memory, there was only one location that felt fitting. Gavyn’s Favorite 5K brings us back to a course he genuinely loved, to runthe same roads he ran and to celebrate the joy, determination and competitive spirit he brought to every starting line.”

To book in for the race, click here https://runsignup.com/Race/NY/Orient/GAVYNSFAVORITE5K?raceRefCode=VIB9xuhU