Hoover Memorial 5k moves to Marion for its third year

Event honoring fallen soldier from Utah bigger every year

By DONALD WILBURN

donaldfwilburn@gmail.com

The 3rd Annual SSGT Taylor Hoover Memorial 5K took place this past weekend at the Marion Recreational Complex, honoring the life and legacy of Staff Sergeant Taylor Hoover. The event featured live music, food trucks, merchandise vendors, inflatables for kids, and more, making it a fun-filled day for the entire community. The 5K race, which had previously been held at Worthington Park in West Memphis, saw even more participants this year as the event continues to grow in popularity.

The top three winners of this year’s 5K race were Peyton Hampton, who completed the race in an impressive 20 minutes, followed by Sam Wilson in second place and Buddy Borden in third. Over 30 people participated in the race itself, with many more spectators coming out to support the runners and enjoy the festivities of the day.

The day’s events kicked off at 8 a.m. with doors opening for attendees to eat, shop, and play. There were bouncy houses and bubbles for kids to enjoy, creating a family- friendly atmosphere. The morning continued with a pre-race prayer, a tribute to all military members, and the singing of the National Anthem. The race began at 10 a.m., followed by a performance by Jeff Burns and the announcement of the medal winners at 11:15 a.m. The day concluded with a red, white, and blue color party, live entertainment by Bugaloos Band, open volleyball play, and a Jeep Show.

In addition to the race and entertainment, special exhibits honoring the military were also featured at the event, including the Bennett Family Trailer Memorial. All proceeds from the event go towards the SSGT Darin Taylor Hoover Memorial Scholarship Fund, which provides scholarships to local students who demonstrate Honor, Courage, and Commitment, as well as aid to veterans in need of service dogs.

Staff Sgt. Darin Taylor Hoover, who the event honors, was born on July 24, 1990, in Salt Lake City, Utah. He served in the Marines for 11 years and was on his third tour in Afghanistan when he tragically lost his life in a suicide bombing outside Kabul’s Hamid Karzai International Airport on Aug. 26, 2021. He was 31 years old at the time of his death and left behind his fiancée, Nicole, whom he had planned to marry upon his return.

Hoover’s awards and decorations include the Purple Heart, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Certificate of Commendation, Marine Corps Good Conduct Medal, Letter of Appreciation, Meritorious Mast, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, National Defense Service Medal, NATO Medal- ISAF Afghanistan, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and Combat Action Ribbon.

He is laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery, where his memory continues to be honored and celebrated.

The winners of this year’s race were Peyton Hampton who won first place (right), Sam Wilson in second place and Buddy Borden in third.

Heidi and Drew pose with their kids post-race.

Photos by Don Wilburn

Local patriot Lance Bell is a fixture at many events. Even if he has to bum a ride.

Patriots of all ages came out to participate in the festivities.

These colors don’t run. Except during the 5K.

Never too young to start driving.

Jennifer and her son Thor stop for a quick pic.

The Rains family stops for a quick breather between activities.