Presented by:
Join the Manchester Police Athletic League and the Manchester Police Department to honor the memory and sacrifice of our fallen police officers.
17th Annual Footrace for the Fallen Road Race
Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023
Adult(>18) $35 pre-registration/$40 day-of
Youth (<18) $25 pre-registration/$30 day-of
Virtual ($40)
*First 500 people to register for in-person race will receive a free race shirt!* *Shirts will be available in unisex sizes from small to 3 XL.
Race Date: Sunday, October 1, 2023
Start: Manchester Police Department
405 Valley Street
Manchester, NH US 03103
End: Gill Stadium
396 Valley Street
Manchester, NH US 03103
Follow us on Facebook for all the latest updates and to learn more about the race’s course, day-of information, history, and Manchester’s fallen officers.
Interested in sponsoring the 2023 race? Check out our sponsorship package and then email Holly Horst, Development Director.
Our 2023 sponsors so far:
Race History
The Footrace for the Fallen began in 2007 to honor Manchester Police Officers and all police officers who have died in the line of duty. Sergeant Henry McAllister, Inspector William Moher, Officer Ralph Miller, and Officer Michael Briggs have all paid the ultimate sacrifice while serving the City of Manchester. Proceeds from the race benefit the Manchester Police Athletic League (MPAL), a non-profit organization that provides after school and summer athletic and recreational activities to area youth. A donation is also made to the Hundred Club of NH.
The Footrace for the Fallen continues to be successful and will continue to grow in the years to come. The race prides itself in being a flat and fast course, making it attractive to runners of all levels.
In 2013, the Manchester Police Department moved its headquarters to 405 Valley St. The Footrace for the Fallen also moved its course to start at the new MPD. This certified 5K race starts at MPD HQ and passes the Valley St. Jail and the old Manchester Police Department HQ. The race finishes inside Gill Stadium, the municipal sporting complex that is diagonally across from MPD. Participants cross the finish at the 20 yard line of the football field and then are able to enjoy time with friends and family with food, drinks, prizes, and awards.
Manchester’s Fallen Officers
Officer Michael L. Briggs
1971-2006
On October 16, 2006, at 0245 hours, Officer Michael Briggs and his partner responded to a domestic disturbance call involving shots fired at 337 Lake Ave. He attempted to detain and speak to a 26-year-old suspect, Michael Addison, who was seen walking in the area of Litchfield Lane and Lincoln Street. As he approached, Addison turned and fired a single gunshot from a pistol, wounding Officer Briggs. Officer Michael Briggs succumbed to his injuries later the next day, October 17, 2006. At the time of his death, Michael was 35 years of age and a five-year veteran of the Manchester Police Department.
Officer Ralph W. Miller
1951-1976
At about 11:30 p.m. on October 2, 1976, Officer Ralph Miller responded to 119 Hall Street to check a report of a loud party. Cleo Roy, age 15, was armed with a rifle and was standing silhouetted in the doorway as Officer Miller approached the residence. Roy raised the rifle and fired a shot, striking Officer Miller in the upper chest. Officer Miller died later that night at the Catholic Medical Center – East. at the time of his death, Officer Miller was 25 years old and had served as a Manchester Police Officer for one year.
Inspector William Moher
1864-1921
On July 2, 1921, Inspector William Moher initiated a foot pursuit of Oscar Richards, a burglary suspect and Hillsborough County Jail escapee. The pursuit ended in a gun battle. Richards was shot and killed by Inspector Moher, but in the exchange of gunfire, Richards also shot the Inspector. Moher died later at the Sacred Heart Hospital on July 3, 1921. At the time of his death, Inspector Moher was 57 years old and a 22-year veteran of the Manchester Police Department.
Sergeant Henry McAllister
1846-1895
On May 21, 1895, Fred Stockwell entered the Manchester Police Department looking for Sgt. Henry McAllister, with who he had a long-standing grudge. Stockwell made his way to the roll call room, where he located Sgt. McAllister. Stockwell drew a revolver and shot McAllister three times, killing him almost immediately. At the time of his death, Sgt. McAllister was 49 years old and a three-year veteran of the Manchester Police Department.
Officer Frank Dustin
1859-1918
On May 20, 1918, Police Officer Frank Dustin suffered a fatal heart attack while pursuing a man who exposed himself at Stark Park. Officer Dustin completed his shift and was tending his war memorial garden when he was notified that a man was exposing himself at the park. The suspect fled when approached, and a foot pursuit ensued. Near the entrance to the park, Officer Dustin collapsed and could not be resuscitated. Other officers arrested the subject. Officer Dustin had served with the Manchester Police Department for 21 years. He was survived by his wife, four nieces, and one nephew.
