Footrace for the Fallen

Join the Manchester Police Athletic League and the Manchester Police Department to honor the memory and sacrifice of our fallen police officers.

14th Annual Footrace for the Fallen Presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield

Date: Sunday, October 4, 2020
Start Time: 10:15 am
Price: Adults (18+) $30 online/$35 day-of
Youth (<18) $25 online/$30 day-of
*First 500 people to register will receive a free race shirt!*

Registration Opens Monday, April 13, 2020

Learn more about the race’s course, day-of information, and history and Manchester’s fallen officers.

All registrants will also have the opportunity to help fundraise for the Manchester Police Athletic League. Stay tuned for details on this year’s prizes!

Interested in sponsoring the 2020 race? Check out our sponsorship package and then email Ariel Kapteyn, Director of Marketing & Co-Race Director.

*Shirts will be available in unisex sizes from small to 3 XL.

Thank you to our 2020 sponsors!

Course

Race Day Information

Early Bib Pick Up: Friday, October 2, 2020 from 4-8 pm at the Manchester Police Athletic League (409 Beech Street, Manchester, NH 03104)
Race-Day and Bib Pick Up Registration: Starts at 8:30 am
Where: Gill Stadium, Inside the Main Gate (Valley St Side)
Race Start: 10:15 am
Where: MPD (405 Valley St), Diagonally across from Gill
Race Finish: Inside Gill Stadium
Beer Garden: Please bring your ID – 21+ only
Food and Awards and Beer Garden inside the Stadium
Parking: Parking is available on the Beech St side of Gill Stadium and in and around the parking lot of the JFK Coliseum.
Bathrooms: There are plenty of bathrooms inside the gate at Gill Stadium. They are located on either side of the grandstands.
Strollers: Strollers are allowed.
Pets: We love our pets, too, but they are not allowed to run the race with you.

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 2011, the Footrace for the Fallen began working with Millennium Running to provide a superior race experience for all runners. The Footrace for the Fallen now uses Millennium Running for registration, timing, and course management.

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.