9th Annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K Set for June 8; Registration Open through June 1
By Julie Perine on May 26, 2019 via Connect-Bridgeport.com
It has become a Bridgeport tradition which needs little fanfare. Annually, hundreds register and run - or walk - in the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K. This year's event is set for Saturday, June 8.
The 5K raises money that is returned to the community through the Jim and Derek Hotsinpiller Memorial Scholarship, presented annually to multiple area students pursuing a criminal justice/social science field.
Deputy U.S. Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller received a fatal gunshot wound while serving a warrant in Elkins on Feb. 18, 2011. His dad Jim passed away in 2001 during his tenure as lieutenant with
Bridgeport Police Department.
The race holds a special place in the hearts of Hotsinpiller family members and friends.
“It’s big to us because of Derek,” said Ashley Hotsinpiller, race co-organizer and wife of Derek's older brother Dustin, a Deputy U.S. Marshal and former Bridgeport police officer. “It’s just that whole emotion – the feeling who other people know who have experienced this and an appreciation for law enforcement, just wanting to provide that support locally and that sense of community. Police officers have a brotherhood and this is just extending that; a way to honor Derek and everybody who goes out and does this job selflessly every day, some who don’t make it back home.”
Race organizers aim to raise $15,000 through the race for the scholarship.
The paper application deadline has past, but online registration, $20, is open HERE through 11:59 p.m. June 1. Participants can also register in person 7-8 a.m. on race day. The registration fee will then be $25. The race will start promptly at 8:30 a.m. Awards will be presented in various age/gender categories and young children who complete the course by running or walking will be recognized, too.
Always popular and drawing contestants regionally is the Law Enforcement Officer "LEO" and challenge. Two-man/woman teams compete for those bragging rights.
Each race contestant will receive a timing chip and finishes will be clocked. Activities will take place before and after the race. Travis Jones will serve as emcee and Carlton Smith of the West Virginia State Police will sing The National Anthem. There will be face painting for children and the Mobile Fingerprint Unit, courtesy of the FBI and Harrison County Sheriff’s Department, will be on hand. Pastor Mike Hopkins of Simpson Creek Baptist Church will offer the annual prayer over the event. There will also be refreshments. The local "Kids Give Back" program will be collecting money and/or packaged snacks for WVU Family Resource Center.
Just prior to race time, a special moment will be observed. A dove release will pay tribute to Melinda Lindsey, who passed away earlier this year and whose valiant volunteer efforts were instrumental to the Fallen Stars 5K and several other community events.
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 will proceed 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 dropping back down Johnson Avenue.
Some challenge themselves to run the course and win one of many awards presented after the race. Others walk it leisurely - many with small children 
and pets in tow.
and pets in tow.
New last year to the race was the Fallen Stars Virtual 5K. Ashley Hotsinpiller said over the years many people across the country have indicated they would like to run in their own communities to show support. Now, it's official. Supporters everywhere can sign up to run a virtual 5K on June 8.
"We encourage them to post a picture or video on our Facebook page with a shout out to us, letting us know they are running that day - whether it be in honor of Derek, someone they have lost in the line of duty or in support of current law enforcement officers who are serving," she said.
This year’s Virtual 5K was just announced last week and already it is gaining momentum, Hotsinpiller said.
“Last year we did receive lots of photos, especially from U.S. Marshals who were running it,” she said. “It was a big hit and we are hoping to receive ever more this year.”
There is no registration fee to run the Virtual 5K, but registration is available to those who would like to receive a commemorative race T-shirt. Shirts can be shipped to anywhere in the U.S.
“Whatever option they want is great. It just makes us very happy to know people want to run and support the race in any way,” Hotsinpiller said.
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 to honor any fallen law enforcement officers or to support law enforcement, in general,” she said.
Wheels are already in motion for the 10th anniversary race, scheduled for June 13, 2020. It's a lofty goal, but organizers strive to get 1,000 participants involved.
Editor's Note: Photos by Ben Queen Photography were taken during the 2018 Fallen Stars Memorial 5K.
