Organizers of the annual Trooper Kenton Iwaniec Memorial Race at Saint Vincent College hope to raise $100,000 through this year’s April 12 event.
That’s enough to purchase 200 breathalyzers — to help law enforcement agencies crack down on those who get behind the wheel while drunk in Pennsylvania.
The family of the Cook Township native started the race in his memory in 2009, the year after the 24-year-old state trooper was killed when his vehicle was struck head-on by a woman who was driving under the influence in Chester County.
To date, the foundation that receives race proceeds has provided state and and local police with 2,840 of the preliminary breath test devices. It’s planning to distribute more than 130 at this year’s event on the college campus in Unity.
Educational activities and demonstrations are planned.
“Our family strives to continue Kenton’s legacy of service and commitment to saving lives.,” said his sister, Acacia Houck. She said the foundation is intended “as a means to honor all DUI victims and to enable the community to take an active role in reducing the number of DUIs.”
In Pennsylvania, the minimum blood alcohol content to be considered impaired is .o4% for commercial drivers and school bus drivers, .08% for other drivers.
According to PennDOT crash statistics, there were 1,209 vehicular fatalities across the state in 2023, of which 307 (about 25%) occurred in alcohol-related wrecks. That compares to 331 (about 28%) out of 1,190 in 2018; 369 (about 30%) out of 1,208 in 2013; and 531 (about 36%) out of 1,468 in 2008.
The Westmoreland County Coroner’s Office reported six alcohol-related traffic deaths in the county in 2024, 12 in 2023, six in 2022, eight in 2021, seven in 2020, eight in 2019, six each in 2018 and 2017, 15 each in 2016 and 2015, and eight in 2014, 13 in 2013, 14 in 2012 and 11 in 2011 Those figures don’t include cases where motorists died after being transported to trauma centers in other counties.
April 9 is the deadline for online registration for various race options. There is a $40 fee for a 10K race, a 5K race, a 5K fun walk or a one-mile fun walk. The cost is $20 for either of two children’s races: a half-mile run for ages 10 or younger and a 100-meter sprint for ages 6 or younger.
There also are virtual race options, including for participants who want to complete their own gradual courses through any combination of walking, running, hiking, biking, swimming or paddling.
There is a $40 registration fee for a 42-mile challenge, to be completed by April 30, and a $100 fee for a 542-mile challenge, extending through Dec. 31.
Visit trooperiwaniec.org and select the TakeOff Race heading for race details and registration.