University of Connecticut Athletics
The Kyle Milliken Memorial Run
STORRS, Conn.—The UConn Athletics Department and Greg Roy invite all alumni, friends, and members of the Armed Forces to join in for The Kyle Milliken Memorial Run.
The Kyle Milliken Memorial Run is an annual 5-mile run held on campus in Storrs. The purpose is to honor Navy Special Warfare Operator Senior Chief Petty Officer (SEAL) Kyle Jeffrey Milliken, who was killed in action serving his country on May 5, 2017 in East Africa.
Milliken was an exceedingly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards and 10 deployments. He was an amazing father, husband, son, brother, and friend whose passion for life was contagious. His sharp wit and magnetic personality made lasting impressions on everyone he met.
He was highly competitive in all aspects of his life. He displayed incredible talent as a dedicated warrior, yet he stayed grounded through his faith, family, and teammates. His captivating presence and colorful storytelling regularly had an entire room in hysterics. He was the cornerstone of his family, friends, and team.
In 1998, he walked onto UConn’s track and field team where he made every single one of his teammates a better runner, athlete, and person with his leadership, dedication, and unwavering commitment and drive—the very foundation for his success as a SEAL and in life.
Monies raised through the race and ensuing Alumni Reunion support The Kyle Milliken Memorial Fund, which provides support through scholarship and capital project enhancements for the UConn men’s track and field program. Since the recent merging of the Men’s and Women’s programs, Kyle’s wife Erin and the Milliken Memorial Committee have agreed that there will be a Women’s recipient of the Kyle Milliken Memorial Scholarship in 2020.
Registration is free and ends on September 13th. A $35 or more donation includes a free race day t-shirt, while supplies last. Click here to register. Race day registration will begin at 9:00 a.m. at the South end of Greer Fieldhouse, adjacent to the Alumni House and track.
The 5-mile race will begin at 10:30 a.m. between the Fieldhouse and outdoor track. At 11:30 a.m., a ‘Kids for Kyle’ two lap race will take place on the track (strollers and baby joggers are welcome!)
An Alumni Reunion and Armed Forces reception will be held in the University of Connecticut Alumni House (2384 Alumni Drive, Storrs, Mansfield, Conn. 06269). The 2019-20 Milliken Memorial Award Recipient will be announced at that time.
Donations can be made here. For additional information contact: kylemillikenmemorialrun@gmail.com
“I look forward to hearing from and seeing you at The Milliken,” Greg Roy, Director of Men’s and Women’s Track and Field/Cross Country.
