PINE BARRENS TRAIL DUATHLON

5TH ANNUAL PFC JOSEPH P DWYER PTSD MEMORIAL 5K RUN presented by Rocky Point VFW Post 6249

SATURDAY MAY 30th 2026

This race is to honor the memory of an Iraq war hero from Mount Sinai, NY, the Joseph P. Dwyer Veteran Peer Support Project is a peer-to-peer program for Veterans facing the challenges of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Please come join VFW Post 6249 for this 5K run in the Pines over trails, hills and on the track! Compete for medals by age grouping , or just stroll through the beautiful pine barrens! Runners and walkers, all age groups , are welcome. Medals and t-shirts on race day.

Registration:

Located at Rocky Point High School starting at 10:00am

Race starts at 12:30pm

Amenities:

5K: Age Group Medals & refreshments afterwards!

T-shirts will be guaranteed to the first 300 registrants!

WALK ONLY: TOP THREE MEN / WOMEN GET AWARDS TOO!

Fees: $25 pre-registration (by 5/29 at 6pm)

$35 day-of *CASH OR CHECK ONLY PLEASE!

Course: Starts at Rocky Point HS travel South on Rocky Point Rd. to Rocky Point Historical sign on East side of RP rd. (about 1 mile) Make right at yellow pipe and follow signs to RPHS.

Proceeds to benefit the Joseph Dwyer Program: PTSD Peer to Peer Network.

Launched in 2012 as a pilot partnership between our Suffolk County United Veterans program and the Suffolk County Veterans Service Agency, the Dwyer Project takes a confidential, one-on-one, peer-to-peer approach that has rapidly captured the attention and support of both veterans and mental health professionals statewide and across the nation.

The program has steadily demonstrated that the peer-to-peer model holds tremendous, untapped value as a tool for helping Veterans transition and reintegrate back into civilian life.

Race Website:

Additional race information can be found at https://hopechildrensfund.org/events/.

Place:

Saint Anselm’s Episcopal Church

4 Woodville Road

Shoreham, NY US 11786

Description:

The Hohler Memorial Bi-Continental 5K Fun Run/Walk was created to benefit the children of Hope Children’s Fund (HCF).

Established in 2005, HCF is a New York State licensed 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to assisting orphaned children in Meru, Kenya. Through comprehensive support, these children receive essential resources including food, clothing, shelter, medical care, and educational opportunities.

HCF is unique in its operational model. The organization has no paid staff or offices in the United States and relies entirely on the dedication of passionate volunteers. This structure ensures that 100% of every donation goes directly to benefit the children. In Meru, a team of twelve dedicated Kenyan employees manages the orphanage, which is currently home to 92 children. These children receive immediate care and the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams, with many continuing on to complete college.

By registering for or donating to our 5K event, you directly contribute to the wellbeing and future of these children. Your support helps provide the essential resources and opportunities they need to thrive. We invite you to join us in making a difference and helping create a brighter future for the children of Meru.

Race Details:

IN-PERSON – This course is USATF certified (NY23098DNB) and sanctioned. The race will begin and end at the lower parking lot of Saint Anselm’s Episcopal Church, 4 Woodville Road, Shoreham, New York, on Saturday, October 17, 2026.

Race Day check-in and pre-registration will take place from 8:00–8:45 AM, with the run starting at 9:00 AM. Shirts will be provided to participants who pre-register by September 14, 2026. Finisher shirts for those who register on or after September 15, 2026 will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. The Family Pack includes two adults and two children.

This year’s event will feature even more family-friendly activities, including a chalk art contest, costume contest, kids crafts, and more.

This is a rain-or-shine event and will take place in part on the North Shore Rail Trail.

VIRTUAL – Participate anytime and anywhere you choose through Saturday, October 17, 2026. Virtual participants may upload their race time by 5:00 PM on Saturday, October 24, 2026.

Please note: Shirts are available for in-person participants only and are guaranteed for those who pre-register by September 14, 2026.

All proceeds support the Jerusha Mwiraria Hope Children’s Home in Meru, Kenya.

HCF and the children we serve thank you for your support.