In the early 1990s, Tim Russell was a junior at Hershey High School and a runner. Deeply inspired by the sport, Tim successfully petitioned the Derry Township Board of Supervisors to sponsor a community road race in Hershey. He was given the green light, but he would never get the chance to cross his own finish line. On January 23, 1992, Tim and his close friend, varsity soccer player Ben Yupcavage, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. The sudden loss of two vibrant student-athletes sent shockwaves through the tight-knit Hershey community. Instead of letting the story end in grief, the Hershey High School graduating class and cross-country team of 1993 stepped up. They came together to bring Tim’s original dream of a local 5K race to life, dedicating the entire event to the memory of both boys. What started as a direct tribute to lost friends instantly blossomed into an annual town tradition.

At the emotional center of this enduring movement are the boys' parents: Jan and Judy Yupcavage, and Bill and Paula Russell. In the painful aftermath of 1992, they established the Tim Russell – Ben Yupcavage Memorial Scholarship Fund. While the initial years were understandably defined by immense grief, the families found solace in watching the community rally around their sons’ legacies. For the parents, watching thousands of runners and soccer players gather every August transcends mere charity work. They share a profound sentiment that the foundation and this annual gathering represent a true "fulfillment of our hearts"—a living, breathing space where their love for Ben and Tim continues to grow and impact lives, ensuring their sons are never forgotten.The two boys possessed unique strengths that continue to guide the event's philosophy:

Today, the family-led foundation remains entirely volunteer-run. Local sports teams still lead the charge: the high school cross-country team handles race setup, while the soccer teams coordinate registration tables and play memorial matches in honor of Ben.

Ben & Tim Day has evolved far beyond a morning race into a full-day lifestyle festival. The standard itinerary seamlessly blends athletic competition with classic small-town camaraderie. The day kicks off with a competitive, USATF-certified 5K Run, followed by a lighthearted 1-Mile Fun Run and Walk that welcomes kids and pets. A signature chicken barbecue hosted at the nearby Masonic Lodge benefits the cross-country team, alongside an array of local food trucks, a car wash, and live music. Families can browse booths from local vendors, participate in charity silent auctions, join open-air yoga classes, or enroll younger kids in soccer clinics.

The true metric of success for Ben & Tim Day is its extraordinary commitment to giving back. Current Foundation President and Classmate, Steve Spear, says "To date, the event has raised over $350,000 for the Ben & Tim Foundation. Every penny of the proceeds is funneled directly back into Derry Township and it's students." In recent years, the foundation has expanded its reach, consistently awarding higher-education scholarships to dozens of graduating Hershey High School seniors each spring, while also distributing grants to local youth-focused charities.