The Capt. Jeff Kuss USMC Memorial hosts the inaugural Top Gun Night Run 6k on Friday, May 31 at 9:00 p.m. in Lee Victory Recreation Park in Smyrna. The 3.7-mile course includes the Smyrna/Rutherford County Airport and Smyrna Municipal golf course with the finish line at the memorial. Spectators and runners will enjoy live music and food trucks in the park. The run will be chip-timed and USATF certified and limited to only 500 participants.
Ways to Register
Participants can register here or in person at the Smyrna Parks and Recreation office located inside the Smyrna Event Center on 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East. The $50 entry fee includes a t-shirt and a custom medal awarded at the finish line. Winners of each division will receive an additional award. All proceeds will benefit the future upkeep and maintenance of the memorial.
Race Night Parking
Parking will be available at Lee Victory Recreation Park at 110 Sam Ridley Parkway East and the Smyrna Event Center, 100 Sam Ridley Parkway East. Those attending are encouraged to bring their chairs and blankets. Coolers are allowed but no alcohol.
Additional Information
You can participate in this event with a jogging stroller. Anyone using a stroller should start behind all of the runners to minimize the risk of collisions or congestion during the race. It is free for children riding in a stroller, unless they would like to receive a medal and a t-shirt. Any children that would like to run, walk, or ride in a stroller and receive the t-shirt and medal must be a registered participant.
Sponsorship Opportunities
For information on how you can help sponsor the Top Gun Night Run, please contact Amber Hobbs by e-mail at [email protected] or click here for Top Gun Night Run Sponsorship Details.
About the Memorial
The Memorial is dedicated to Blue Angel Marine Captain Jeff Kuss. A decorated pilot who accumulated more than 1,400 flight hours and 175 carrier landings, Captain Kuss served in Afghanistan and earned the Strike Flight Air Medal and the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal during his time in the military. He joined the U.S. Navy Blue Angels Flight Demonstration Squadron in September 2014 and flew as Opposing Solo for the 2016 team. Captain Kuss lost his life on June 2, 2016 in a tragic in-flight accident while flying as Blue Angel #6 in practice for the Great Tennessee Air Show.
The F/A 18-C Blue Angel Hornet featured at the memorial is on permanent loan from the National Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola, Florida.
