The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk logo
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The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk

Date
June 21–28, 2026
Distance
DC Raymond M Downey "Forever Running" Memorial 5K Run/Walk · Run Anywhere Virtual 5K
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From the Organizer

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:
Sunday June 21st LIVE RUN

Sunday June 21th to Sunday June 28th   Virtual Run


Times:

9:30 Am Live 5 K run

Run Anytime Anywhere for Virtual Run

 

Application Fees:

Ray Downey "Forever Running" Online Live Race fee            $25- Before April 15th 

Ray Downey "Forever Running" Online Live Race Fee           $30- After April 15th

Ray Downey  Virtual Race fee                                                    $30 

 

Day of race fees :

Ray Downey "Forever Running" Online Live Race fee        $40 Dollars

 


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 the following age groups:
10 & under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74,75-79, 80-84, 85-89, 90-94, 95-100
Top Wheelchair and all Special Olympians


Ray Downey Special Awards:

Top Cancer Survivor (Female & Male)

Top Deer Park Teacher (Female & Male)
Harry Ford Top FDNY SOC Fire Fighter
Brian Fahey Top Fire Fighter
Top 3 Fire Fighter’s
Top 3 Law Enforcement
Top 3 Military,
Team Divisions Gene Downey FDNY Firehouse Team
John & Michael Downing Best Combined time-Father & Son, Father & Daughter
Best Combined Time male & female (Open & Masters) of the D.C. Ray Downey & the D. Lerner Assoc. L.I. Police Appreciation Race 
N0 Duplication for Individual Efforts


Kids Fun Run:
(No Fee) reg. 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.

Events

DC Raymond M Downey "Forever Running" Memorial 5K Run/WalkSun, Jun 21 · 9:30 AMRegister →
Run Anywhere Virtual 5KSun, Jun 21 · 9:30 AMRegister →

Weather

Typical Conditions

It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.

Typical High

79°

Typical Low

63°

Chance of Rain

34%

Based on US Climate Normals data from Farmingdale Ap, 5 mi from the venue.

Sunrise 5:23 AMSunset 8:29 PMDaylight 15h 6m

Host City

About Deer Park, NY

Elevation

71 ft

Nearest Airport

ISP

Long Island MacArthur Airport · 12 mi

Major Hub

JFK

John F. Kennedy International Airport · 25 mi

Time Zone

Eastern Time

From Endurance Grid

Line up lodging and travel early to lock in your race weekend.

Race Location

Your Next Start Line

What Are You
Waiting For?

Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.

13

Days to train

Race
The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk
Date
June 21–28, 2026

From Endurance Grid

About This Sport

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Read the Guide

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk?
The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk is a running race held in Deer Park, New York on June 21, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
When and where is The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk?
Sunday, June 21, 2026 in Deer Park, New York at 973 Nicolls Road, Deer Park, NY. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk?
Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.

The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk

Jun 21, 2026

Register →