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Nicole Zanowick of Miamisburg had a very close relationship with her younger brother, Paul “Rocky” Zanowick II. So close, in fact, that it was extremely devastating for her to lose him at the age of 23 when he was killed in the line of duty in Afghanistan in June of 2011.
“Rocky was my only sibling,” Zanowick said. “He was active and very devoted to service for his country.”
Zanowick and her best friend, Brittany Everett, decided to do something to help honor Rocky and other soldiers who died serving their country. On Saturday, May 25, the first annual Rocky’s Run for Freedom 5K will be held at Library Park in Miamisburg.
According to Zanowick, the run will be timed and all ages and abilities are invited to participate. The start time is 8 am and registration is $25 per runner. All participants will get a Rocky’s Run for Freedom T-shirt.
“It made sense since my brother was so athletic and loved running,” Zanowick said.
Everett, who met Zanowick when they attended elementary school at Bishop-Leibold in Miamisburg, also has a younger brother, her only sibling, who is the same age as Rocky.
“Our families are close and we’ve always been on similar paths,” Zanowick said. “Our mothers even have the same birthday!”
Everett’s brother, Jonathan Waag, is also serving his country with the U.S. Air Force and will be deployed soon. The women chose the location of Library Park because there is a memorial to Rocky there and they knew they wanted to have the event in Miamisburg, Rocky’s hometown.
“We already have 145 registered runners,” Everett said. “We are hoping for at least 150 for this first event.”
Proceeds from the race will benefit The Wounded Warrior Project, the local Blue Star Mothers and the Uriah Edward Zanowick trust fund. Uriah is Rocky’s 3-year-old son.
“All of these organizations have been important to my family,” Zanowick said. “The Wounded Warriors have been a huge support and they do so much to help wounded soldiers get back on their feet. And the Blue Star Mothers brought us meals and food for more than a week after Rocky’s memorial service.”
Zanowick said they hope to choose different charities each year and possibly honor other soldiers, but all will be military related. The event is being held on Memorial Day weekend as a tribute to all veterans and those killed in action.
“We need to remember why we celebrate this holiday,” Zanowick said. “There’s more to it than picnics and outdoor parties.”
For more information about joining the Rocky’s Run for Freedom 5K, log on to
or email RockysRunForFreedom@gmail.com.
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