Each year, the Cavalier Battalion holds the race to honor Hess and collect funds for a charity selected by the Hess family. This year’s charity is the Companion Animal Fund in Charlottesville.

“R.J. loved animals and volunteered at animal shelters during his time in college,” Army ROTC cadet Lucas Bires, one of the race organizers, said. “The Companion Animal Fund is a great organization that we have worked closely with for a number of years now. We believe it embodies the same kindness and compassion that R.J. had for animals and could not think of a better organization to donate our proceeds to.”

The Army ROTC also presents The R.J. Hess Leadership Award and Scholarship in his memory, which is awarded each year to a commissioning second lieutenant.

Registration for the race is online or runners can register in person on the day of the event with cash or Venmo.

Runners will gather at Carr’s Hill Field at 7:30 a.m. The race route will include University Avenue, Ivy Road and McCormick Road. Runners will also circle the Lawn and pass Scott Stadium and the McIntire Amphitheater.

“We wanted the route to highlight some of the more special places on Grounds to give our guests the best opportunity to be able to experience UVA,” Bires said.

There will be prizes for first, second and third places in both the men’s and women’s divisions. Water, sports drinks and snacks will be available before the race, and afterward there will be bagels and other refreshments.

“The R.J. Hess Memorial 5K is an important event for our program so that we may remember R.J.’s legacy and the ultimate sacrifice he made,” Bires said. “R.J. was a young man who cared deeply about animals, children and the community. He dedicated his life to serving others and being a part of something greater than himself. It’s important for all of us to be grateful for the sacrifices that people like R.J. made and make so that we may live our lives freely.”

Hess was a 2005 graduate of Robinson High School in Fairfax, where he played football and lacrosse and captained the swimming team. He was selected to be an Army aviator and attended Basic Officer Leaders Course and flight school in 2011.

In the Army, Hess received the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, the NATO Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, the Combat Action Badge, the Army Achievement Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and the Army Aviator Badge.