The D.C Raymond M. Downey 'Forever Running' Memorial 5K Run/Walk
- Date:
- Sun, Jun 21, 2026 at 9:30 AM
- Location:
-
973 Nicolls Road
Deer Park, New York
11729
United States
OpenStreetMap Google Maps - Links:
- chiefraymonddowney.com Register at runsignup.com
- Tags:
- 5k Fun Run Run Virtual Walk Wheelchair
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.