973 Nicolls Road, Deer Park NY
Sunday, June 21st, 2026
🏃♂️ The D.C. Raymond M Downey "Forever Running" Memorial 5K Run/Walk
📍 New Course and Location
The Downey family is looking forward to gathering once again for the 25th Anniversary of the D.C. Raymond M. Downey “Forever Running” Memorial 5K Run/Walk, and we warmly invite you to join us in continuing this meaningful tradition.
This event is our way of honoring the memory of our dad, Chief Raymond M. Downey, as well as all those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001, and those who have since passed from 9/11-related illnesses. Each year, your presence helps keep their legacy alive in a powerful and heartfelt way.
We are deeply grateful for the incredible support and love shown by the Deer Park community and the running community over the past 25 years. Your participation, encouragement, and commitment have made this event not only possible, but truly special.
For those who are unable to attend in person, we are once again offering a Virtual 5K Run so you can still be part of the day, no matter where you are.
Thank you to our family, friends, volunteers, and all who have taken part over the years. Your continued support means more to us than we can ever fully express.
We hope to see you at the starting line.
📅 Date
- Live Run: Sunday June 21st
- Virtual Run: Sunday June 21th to Sunday June 28th
⏰ Times
- Live 5K Run: 9:30 AM
- Virtual Run: Run Anytime Anywhere
💵 Application Fees
- Before April 15th: $25 for Live Race
- After April 15th: $30 for Live Race
- Virtual Race Fee: $30
- Day of Race Fee: $40 for Live Race
🏁 Course
5k (3.1 miles) fast & flat run thru Deer Park. Passes down D.C. Raymond M. Downey Memorial Rd. USATF certified and sanctioned.
🏆 Awards
- Plaques: Presented to the First Place 5K winners (male & female)
- Top 3: males & females in various age groups 10 & under to 95-100
- Special Categories: Top Wheelchair and all Special Olympians
⭐ Ray Downey Special Awards
- Top Cancer Survivor: Female & Male
- Top Deer Park Teacher: Female & Male
- Team Divisions: Gene Downey FDNY Firehouse Team
👦👧 Kids Fun Run
(No Fee) Registration from 8:00-9:00 a.m. race day
🎓 SCHOLARSHIP CHARITY FUND
Affectionately referred to as "The Master of Disaster" and "God," Deputy Chief Raymond M. Downey, Commanding Officer of the Special Operations Command (SOC), died in the line of duty, while helping others escape from the fire and collapse scene of the twin towers at the World Trade Center on Tuesday, September 11, 2001. The fire service was a major force in his life, as evidenced by his sterling career. He truly was a legend in his own time.
As a tribute to Chief Downey's legacy, his family has established the D.C. Raymond Downey Scholarship Charity Fund to keep his memory alive and to benefit the many organizations that Chief Downey cherished.
🔗 More Information
For additional details and registration, please visit: Ray Downey 5K.
