Bo Isn’t The Only One Who Knows in Bridgeport Ahead of Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K
By Connect-Bridgeport Staff on April 06, 2026
“Bo Knows!”
That was the catchphrase for the iconic Nike advertising campaign featuring professional two-sport athlete Bo Jackson. Playing in the NFL and MLB, Jackson is the only professional athlete to reach All-Star status in two major American sports.
Growing up, Jackson excelled in football, baseball, and track & field at McAdory High School and Auburn University. He was blessed with tremendous athletic ability, but just as importantly, Jackson was extremely driven.
“Set your goals high, and don’t stop till you get there,” Jackson is quoted as saying. Excellent advice for today’s young athletes, and in fact, it is outstanding advice for all of us, regardless of our endeavors.
In Bridgeport, we have a bit of that “Bo Jackson” spirit in our DNA. We don’t just show up; we strive to lead. We don’t just host events; we build legacies. That kind of drive is exactly what fuels the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars (DHFS) 5K race committee.
Following each race day, the group, comprised of dedicated family, friends, and community leaders, carefully reviews its performance and success.
They explore ways to improve the runner experience, grow the race, and lay out goals for the next year.
These are goals that, while lofty, they believe are attainable through the same hard work and grit that our law enforcement officers display every day.
That continuous cycle of execution, review, goal-setting, planning, and execution has been in place for 16 years now. For the upcoming race, the committee has set its sights on some truly "All-Star" milestones:
• 1,500+ Runners: We want to see a sea of blue stretching through the streets of Bridgeport, bigger and bolder than ever before.
• All 55 WV Counties: This isn't just a Bridgeport race; it’s a Mountain State tradition. We’re aiming for representation from the Northern Panhandle to the Southern coalfields, and from the Ohio River to the Eastern Panhandle.
• All 50 US States: Again, last year, the race hit the incredible milestone of having participants from every single state. The goal now? To keep that streak alive and show the nation that we remember our heroes.
• 25 or More Countries: With the "Virtual 5K" option, the DHFS 5K has gone global. We aim to have the "Fallen Stars" logo crossing finish lines in at least 25 different countries.
But why these numbers? Is it just about the statistics?
If you’ve ever stood at the starting line on race morning, you know the answer is no. Every registration contributes to a scholarship for a future law enforcement officer, a helping hand to a family in the midst of tragic loss, or providing equipment to keep our officers safe in the line of duty. Every runner from a distant state or a foreign country is a voice joined in the chorus of "thank you" to those who serve and protect.
When we talk about community, we often talk about our schools, our parks, and our business growth. But the real answer lies in our hearts. The hearts in this community refuse to let the memory of a fallen hero fade. Instead, we use that memory as a catalyst to help others.
The Hotsinpiller Foundation has already awarded dozens of scholarships to students, helping them reach their own goals in the field of criminal justice. They have assisted many families devastated by line-of-duty deaths and injuries. They have provided essential safety and training equipment to law enforcement agencies. By hitting these new race targets, the foundation can continue this important work and expand that impact even further.
So, as the committee puts in the "roadwork" to make this next race the best one yet, I encourage you to think about your own goals. Are you signed up yet? Have you challenged a friend in another county, state, or country to join you?
Bo Jackson knew that you don't reach your goals by accident. You reach them by setting the bar high and refusing to stop until you get there. Bo isn’t the only one who knows. We’re setting the bar high for the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K and the Hotsinpiller Foundation. Let’s get there together.
Join the Movement: To register for the race, join the virtual event, or learn more about the mission to support law enforcement, visit www.HotsinpillerFoundation.com or follow the updates on the DHFS 5K Facebook page.
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