Results Released for Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Memorial 5K
By Julie Perine on June 11, 2018 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
Saturday's Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Memorial 5K featured pristine weather, a blast of sunshine and more than 300 runners and walkers.
"We had 353 finishers and over 400 registered," said Organizer Ashley Hotsinpiller.
The event kicked off at Bridgeport City Park with competitors leading the way as leisure walkers followed.
The top three finishers were Brian Reider of Bridgeport, Corey Bunch and Charlie Edwards of Bridgeport. Top three female finishers were Emily Maddow of Mannington, Sarah Perine of Shinnston and Katherine Wheeler. In the Top Cop competition, Scott Austin and James Johnson of the FBI took top honors.
Following registration and opening ceremonies, the race started at 8:30 a.m. Travis Jones served as emcee and Sgt. Carlton Smith of the WVU Police – also former “American Idol” contestant – obliged in singing The National Anthem. There was face painting for children and the Mobile Fingerprint Unit, courtesy of the FBI and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, was on hand. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan provided remarks and Pastor Mike Hopkins of Simpson Creek Baptist Church offered the annual prayer over the event. Refreshments were
served.
Hotsinpiller is thrilled with this year's turnout and event overall.
“My goal was to register 30 before race day and we surpassed that,” she said. “We had 315 preregistered and handed out around 416 bibs on race day.”
Among highlights of the day was the yard sign donated by Card My Yard. The message – “I did it! DHFS 5K” was a huge hit and drew lots of participants to the spot for keepsake photos.
Paint Misbehavin’ from Weston reported that their artists painted the faces of more than 60 kids and about 30 children finished the race course on their own and were rewarded with certificates and medals.
“The race had some really cool additions this year,” Hotsinpiller said.
Smith, who also competed in the race, really set the atmosphere when he sang The National Anthem.
“He always makes me cry. I’ve never heard anyone sing it so beautifully. He did such a good job,” Hotsinpiller said.
The law enforcement officer division of the race continues to grow.
“We had a great turnout and some great competition. We were super thrilled,” she said. “We always try to stack it with great prizes and this year we did a good job with that.”
Main Street Station donated a corn hole set, customized for the law enforcement profession.
In its early years, the race started at the track at Wayne Jamison Field. For the past few, runners and walkers met at Bridgeport City Park. As always, the course proceeded down Johnson Avenue to Water Street, up Worthington Drive and across Pearcy Street and Scott Street, up Long Street past Compton Park to Hall Street and ultimately dropped back down 
Johnson Avenue.
Johnson Avenue.
Registration fees fund the James and Derek Hotsinpiller Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to local students pursuing careers in law enforcement.
Throughout the past eight years, the event has gained momentum, not only drawing participants for the local event, but also gaining support from community members, who cheer on participants and even try to make them more comfortable along the course.
But support also comes from throughout the region; even the country.
For that reason, organizers implemented a new element to this year’s race: A virtual 5K.
“So many people either knew Derek or through his situation got in contact with the family,” said Ashley Hotsinpiller, sister-in-law of Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller, who on Feb. 18, 2011, received a fatal gunshot wound while serving a warrant.
Those who could not be in Bridgeport for Saturday's race, but wanted to be here in spirit, were asked to post ashort video or photos to the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Virtual 5K Facebook page.
The first virtual 5K generated plenty of interest, with runners from Virginia, North Carolina, California, Knoxville, Tenn., Washington, Louisville, Ky., Ashburn, Va. and Alexandria, Va., Tampa, Fla., Savannah and Atlanta, Ga..
The Fallen Stars 5K is held annually close to Derek’s June 2 birthday and that’s important to his family, friends and supporters, Hotsinpiller said. But the idea behind the event is to honor others, too.
“It’s not just to honor Derek. It’s to honor any fallen law enforcement officers or to support law enforcement, in general,” she said.
Plans are already in the works for next year's event - as well as the 2020 event, which will mark the race's 10th anniversary.
See full results - overall, age groups and Top Cop team - HERE at smileymiles.com.
Editor's Note: Photos are by Tyler Maxwell of Ben Queen Photography.
