Captain Gerald F. DeConto, USN Memorial Scholarship 5k Run/Walk

Welcome Message

Thank you to our past participants and welcome to those of you who are new to our race and scholarship fund! Our annual 5k Run & Walk supports the Captain Gerald F. DeConto Memorial Scholarship Fund. Captain DeConto, a Sandwich MA native, was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Thanks to your generosity we have been proudly awarding scholarships in Captain DeConto's memory since 2002.

Race Details

• Date and Time: 9:00 a.m. on Sunday September 20, 2026
• Location: Stop & Shop Plaza 65 Rt 6A in Sandwich, MA
• Course: A scenic 3.1 mile route around the Sandwich Marina and beach area finishing back at the Stop & Shop Plaza
• Registration: Runners and walkers are welcome. Runners will leave the starting line first with official timing by Spitler Race Systems of Pawtucket RI.

Virtual Option

Virtual option also available (run or walk at any location and time on 9/19 or 9/20).

Registration Options

• Online registration: please see the Sign Up tab on this website.
• Mail-in registration: please visit https://geralddeconto5k.com/registration-and-entry/
• In-person registration: Stop & Shop Plaza 65 Rt 6A Sandwich, MA
• Pick-up:
  • Saturday September 19, 2026 11am to 2pm
  • Sunday September 20, 2026 7:30am to 8:30am

Scholarship Fund Donations

To donate to the Captain Gerald F. DeConto Memorial Scholarship Fund please see the Donate tab on this website.

Special Note

A special note about this year’s race: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept 11th terrorist attacks. We appreciate your support on this anniversary as we remember and honor Captain DeConto and all those who lost their lives on 9/11.

Remembering Patricia DeConto

As we did last year, we will also honor and remember Patricia DeConto, Captain DeConto's mother, who passed away in 2025. For more than two decades she dealt with the tragedy of her son’s death on 9/11 with dignity and grace, while working tirelessly to make sure his sacrifice was not forgotten. She helped build a sports stadium in his memory and was the heart of this road race fundraiser inspiring all who attended with her encouraging words and heartfelt gratitude.

Contact Information

Thank you for your interest in our race and memorial scholarship fund. For more information visit www.geralddeconto5k.com #DeContoRace2026

Race & Scholarship Fund History

Captain DeConto, a Sandwich MA native, was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon while on duty in the Navy Command Center. At the time of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Captain DeConto was in direct communication with the Secretary of the Navy coordinating the Navy’s response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Captain DeConto was a dedicated Naval officer who was respected and admired by those he served for, by those he served with, and by those who served for him.

Captain DeConto was a high-spirited, caring person who enjoyed many activities, one of which was running, and he enjoyed them most when they were shared with family and friends. His Navy career took him all over the world, but he returned home to Cape Cod whenever he could and he spent the weekend before 9/11 in Sandwich with family and friends. The Captain Gerald F. DeConto USN Scholarship Fund was set up in his memory to honor him and the legacy he left behind which is one of service to his country, leadership, friendship, and love of life and family. It is his family’s hope that through the scholarship fund Captain DeConto will continue to influence the lives of young people and that his memory and the ideals he believed in will live on.