Fishkill Freedom Run 5K Festival &1 Mi Fun Run

An annual 5K run/walk and kids 1 mile race on the streets of Chelsea, NY located in the town of Wappingers ( NOT the Chelsea in NYC) to benefit the Chelsea Fire Company, and The Robert VanTassel “Live the Dash” scholarship. Given to 2 Beacon High School Seniors, who show sportsmanship, integrity, and 100% commitment to his/her running goals.

In 2023, we changed the name of the race to The Robert Van Tassel Live the Dash 5k. Bobby was the race coordinator from the beginning. He ran the race every year and gave the medals out at the end. He was the Fire District Commissioner, past chief, and held every office over the 40 years he served CFD. He passed on October 20, 2022. Running was his passion. He ran until his very last breath. We continue this race in his honor. “LIVE THE DASH”!! The race starts and ends at the fire station on Liberty St. and takes you along the Hudson River. Want to run with friends or family, sign up together!

A Grass Roots Running and Mid-Hudson Road Runners Club event in honor of a local legend, Mike Slinskey.

Sunday, November 8th @ Bowdoin Park, Wappingers Falls, NY

5k: 9:30am - $25 through October 15th, $30 through November 7th, $35 on race day

Kids 1 mile (12 and under): 9:15am - Free

5k Virtual: $40 October 15th, $45 through November 8th

Slinskey Surprise: Immediately following the 5k - 400 meters ALL OUT, for grit and turnover! Coach Mike would occasionally have a "Slinskey Surprise" on random days when he thought the kids needed an extra push!

Join us as we lace up and hit the trail in tribute to beloved Hudson Valley runner, Coach Mike Slinskey - a man whose passion for running and the community around it was unmatched. In May 2025, Mike was diagnosed with a brainstem tumor, and after a courageous battle, he passed away on June 20, 2025 - just ten days after celebrating his 56th birthday. Today, we honor him in the most fitting way we know; by running.

In his memory, we continue this 5K, to keep his legacy alive and to help others find strength and joy in every mile, just as Mike did. All proceeds from this event will support the American Brain Tumor Association (ABTA), the nation’s oldest nonprofit dedicated to brain tumor research with the intent to fund early detection and patient education; GlioLeo, a local non-profit offering resources and community to families affected by GBM; and to fund the Our Lady of Lourdes scholarship set up in his name.

Last year we had 300 people race, had 26 sponsors, well over 40 volunteers and raised over $7,000 for these causes. Thanks to runners like you and our generous sponsors we were able to come back this year with hopes to raise even more for our chosen charities. We hope to see you again in November, not only for a good cause, but for a good time.

we run today.....

5k Awards:

Overall Male/Female

Overall Male/Female Ages 13-19

Overall Boy/Girl under 12

Top 3 Male/Female in each of the following Age Groups: under 12, 13-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+

Kids 1-mile Awards:

Overall Boy/Girl

Please be advised T-Shirts will only be Guaranteed if you Register by October 25, 2026