Liberty Organizes Outdoor Race to Honor Fallen Faculty Member

At the close of Military Emphasis Week, runners dashed through the starting gate at Lake Hydaway beginning the race to honor and memorialize Mike Donahue, who perished in the line of duty.

The annual Valley View Mike Donahue Memorial Five Miler took place Nov. 14 at 9 a.m. The trail was a circuit starting at Hydaway Lake that took runners up and down Liberty mountain.  

The climb up the gravel path and narrow trails made up over 500 feet of elevation that culminated at the top of Liberty’s monogram before runners snaked their way back down a different set of trails.

The run was put together in a joint effort by Campus Recreation and Liberty University Military Affairs to show support for those who have served. The race is specifically dedicated in memory of Major Mike Donahue, who was killed in a Taliban attack in Afghanistan on Sept. 14, 2014. 

Donahue was a faculty member at Liberty University who taught ROTC classes from 2008-2010 as an assistant professor of military science. He was serving in his third tour of duty, having previously served in South Korea and Iraq. Donahue’s plan was to return to Liberty University at the conclusion of his tour to continue teaching. 

An avid runner, Donahue frequently made use of the trail system behind Snowflex, participating in a weekly trail running club that ran on Liberty’s trails.

Donahue left a significant impact on the club and the faculty that he worked with. The chair of the Army ROTC department noted that Donahue was an example of success for the students. 

Following his death, Military Affairs and Campus Recreation decided to rename the Valley View 5 Miler to the Valley View Mike Donahue Memorial 5 Miler. A trail was also dedicated in Donahue’s honor.

Before the race, there was a ceremony to pay respects to all who have lost their lives while serving in a U.S. military branch. The somber ceremony gave way to the race, honoring Donahue’s achievements and life. 

The race was the second of five in the Liberty Mountain Trail Series. The next race is the Reindeer Run Two Miler, which will take place on December 5. 

To sign up, visit liberty.edu/campusrec/outdoor/races/.

Luke Randle is the Feature Editor. Follow him on Twitter at @lukerandle02.