Run To Remember Boston to Honor Yarmouth Police Officer Sean Gannon, Killed in Line of Duty April 12

On fifth anniversary of Boston Marathon bombings, race also paying tribute to slain MIT Officer Sean Collier and Boston Officer DJ Simmonds

BOSTON (April 23, 2018) – Organizers of the Run To Remember Boston on Memorial Day weekend, the only half marathon through historic downtown Boston, are planning a special pre-race tribute to Yarmouth (Mass.) Officer Sean Gannon, who was shot and killed April 12 while serving an arrest warrant.

In addition to Gannon, Run To Remember Boston will also commemorate the fifth anniversary of the Boston Marathon bombings and the first responders who ran toward danger, not away, at the 2013 bombings and its aftermath. The two officers who died as a result of the ordeal will be honored: MIT Officer Sean Collier, who was ambushed and killed by the marathon bombers, and Boston Officer Dennis “DJ” Simmonds, whose death in 2014 was attributed to a serious head injury he suffered during the Watertown shootout with the bombers.

“Each of these men were fine officers, men of honor with impeccable reputations who sacrificed their lives in the line of duty while protecting others,” said Race Director Steve Balfour.

“The tragic death of Officer Gannon is still so fresh, we pay tribute to him while also remembering the marathon bombings and the two officers who died as a result as well as all first responders who put their lives on the line every day.”

Gannon, a married 32-year-old who was the K-9 officer for the Yarmouth Police Department, was fatally shot while assisting in serving a warrant at a home in Marstons Mills. The accused killer has a long criminal history.   

This is the 14th year for Run To Remember Boston, an annual charity event created as a tribute to all first responders who have made the ultimate sacrifice and lost their lives in the line of duty. The 2013 race took on special poignancy as it was the first half marathon on the streets of Boston following the horrific bombings. In fact, Collier had told friends he was planning to run in the race that year. 

Run To Remember Boston is a world-class road race, produced by a handful of police officers and their supporters who volunteer their time to create, organize and manage the event. Proceeds benefit the community and children’s programs of the first-responder community.

Runners and virtual participants may register at a discount for the May 27 event at www.BostonsRunToRemember.org. The discount is automatic, no discount code is needed. Last year the race had more than 9,000 registered runners.

Run To Remember Boston’s half marathon and 5-mile races both start at 7 a.m. at the Seaport World Trade Center in downtown Boston on Sunday, May 27.

From the Seaport World Trade Center, the scenic loop courses wind through historic downtown Boston, with the half marathon crossing over the Charles River and then riverside along Memorial Drive in Cambridge before looping back.

The 1st Responder Challenge will also return. Now in its third year, it consists of teams with a minimum of five runners from any first responder department, competing in the half marathon for a chance to win bragging rights and split a cash prize of $10,000 among the top three winners for the charity of their choice.

The challenge is open to any first responders, including firefighters, police, paramedics and EMTs, from New England and across the globe who want to take part. For more info on the 1st Responder Challenge, please contact Brigit at BostonRunToRemember@gmail.com.

Major sponsors include the City of Boston Credit Union, New Balance, Star Market, Shaw’s and CBS Radio Mix 104.1.

Find the race on Facebook and Twitter and visit www.bostonsruntoremember.com. For those who cannot run this year but want to take part, donations may be made to: Run to Remember Boston, P.O. Box 664, North Berwick, ME 03906-0664.

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