14th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial Race

14th Annual Captain James R. Minicozzi Memorial Race

Date: September 5, 2026
Location: 235 N Washington Ave., Scranton, PA
URL: Minicozzi5k

Event Overview

Our memorial race, in honor of Cpt. James R. Minicozzi, is held on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend, every year; during La Festa Italiana. Our event is held in Downtown Scranton, PA. The 5K Run and 1 Mile Walk benefits:

• Beneficiary: The Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeastern Pennsylvania Children’s Christmas Party
• Scholarships: College Scholarships at West Scranton High School
• Participants: Runners and walkers of all ages
• Community Impact: Support for local children and youth programs

Registration Details

• Day of Registration: 8:00-9:30 AM (Water and fresh fruit will be available at the main registration table for participants)
• Registration Cost: $25 for pre-registered participants; $35 for day of participants
• T-Shirts: The first 100 registered participants will be guaranteed a race t-shirt
• Water Station: There will be a water station located halfway through the race, near Andy Gavin's on North Washington Ave.

Awards and Prizes

• Overall Winners: First Overall Male and Female runners
• Age Group Awards: Top 3 male and female runners in each age group
• Bonus Prizes: Top 3 overall Male and Female winners; Armed Service Award Recipient
• Present Requirement: Must be present to receive bonus prizes; otherwise, they will be forfeited

Special Awards

• Top Walkers: Recognition for the top overall male and female walkers with a trophy and bonus prize
• Special Recognition Award: Cpt. James R. Minicozzi Memorial Armed Service Award for top finisher who is an Armed Service member
• Pacing: Dickson City Hyundai will be pacing the runners with a lead vehicle
• Eligibility: Effective January 1, 2022, Minicozzi Race Committee members and family members are not eligible for awards

Age Groups

13 & Under, 14-19, 20-30, 31-40, 41-50, 51-60, 61-70, 71+

Awards Ceremony

Awards will be presented to age group winners immediately following the race at the main band stand.

Honoring James

Every year we honor the memory of Cpt. James R. Minicozzi with our Memorial Race. The proceeds we raise host over 200 children at The Boys & Girls Clubs of NEPA for their annual Christmas party. The club is the safe haven for keeping these children off of the streets, it is their home away from home. We provide every child with a hot meal, hours of festivities and winter hats, gloves & warm items, along with other surprises. All of this is possible from our memorial race, thru the UNICO Scranton Chapter, as well as awarding 2 college scholarships at West Scranton High School.