Two hundred eighty runners and walkers are preregistered for the Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars 5K set for Saturday.  Throughout the past eight years, the event has gained momentum, not only drawing more participants for the local event, but gaining support from throughout the region; even the country.

 

For that reason, organizers have 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. “They might not be able to be here for Saturday’s race, but they want to be here in spirit. So, we’re asking them to post a short video or a picture to the Facebook page we’ve set up. Hopefully, friends will get together and run – wherever they are.”

 

The 1^st Annual Derek Hotsinpiller Fallen Stars Virtual 5K is generating interest.

 

“We have people running from Virginia, North Carolina, California, Knoxville, Tenn., Washington, Louisville, Ky., Ashburn, Va. and Alexandria, Va., Tampa, Fla., Savannah and Atlanta, Ga.,” Hotsinpiller said. “My goal is to get someone from every state.”

 

Hotsinpiller shared how a girl in California became a good friend of the family and rides in honor of Derek each year during Bike Week. A little boy named Braxton runs for people who can’t, as well as law enforcement officers. He’s running Saturday for Derek. The stories go on and on, she 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 not just to honor Derek. It’s to honor any fallen law enforcement officers or to support law enforcement, in general,” she said.

 

For the 2^nd Annual Virtual 5K, Hotsinpiller hopes to include official registration and send T-shirts to those who participate.

 

For those who would still like to preregister for the actual 5K run, a tent will be set up at Thursday’s Family Day at City Park. The registration fee of $20 can be paid by cash, check, credit/debit cards and Pay Pal, Hotsinpiller said. The event takes place 5-8 p.m.

 

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.

 

Each 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 Sgt. Carlton Smith of the WVU Police – also former “American Idol” contestant – 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. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney Shawn Morgan will provide remarks and Pastor Mike Hopkins of Simpson Creek Baptist Church will offer the annual prayer over the event. There will also be refreshments.

 

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. But everyone who participates pays a registration fee which collectively helps fund the James and Derek Hotsinpiller Scholarship Fund which provides scholarships to local students pursuing careers in law enforcement.  

 

Ashley and Dustin Hotsinpiller – who now serves the U.S. Marshals Service - have three little boys: 7-year-old Lanham, 4-year-old Liam and 18-month-old Logan. They will all be at the race which honors the memory of their Uncle Derek, who often competed in area 5Ks.

 

Registered Facebook users can access the Virtual 5K event page HERE.