Captain Gerald F. DeConto, USN Memorial Scholarship 5k Run/Walk

  • Date Sun 20th September 2026
  • Time 9:00AM EDT
  • Location Sandwich, Massachusetts
  • Price $18.50 - $23.50
  • Races 2 races
  • Distances 5km

Event summary

Join us for the 25th Annual Captain Gerald F. DeConto, USN Memorial Scholarship 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, September 20, 2026, in the picturesque town of Sandwich, Barnstable. This uplifting event not only celebrates the life and legacy of Captain DeConto, a Sandwich native who tragically lost his life during the 9/11 attacks, but also supports a scholarship fund that has positively impacted countless young lives since its inception in 2002.

The race kicks off with a heartfelt memorial tribute at 9:00 A.M. at the Stop & Shop Plaza located at 65 Rt 6A. Participants will enjoy a scenic 3.1-mile route winding around the beautiful Sandwich Marina and beach area before returning to the starting point. Runners will be timed by Spitler Race Systems, and walkers are warmly welcomed to join the festivities. For those who prefer a virtual experience, a convenient option is available for you to run or walk at your own pace on September 19 or 20. Don't miss this opportunity to honor Captain DeConto’s memory while making a difference in your community!

Organiser's Description

THANK YOU TO OUR PAST PARTICIPANTS AND WELCOME TO THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE NEW TO OUR RACE AND SCHOLARSHIP FUND! OUR ANNUAL 5K RUN & WALK SUPPORTS THE CAPTAIN GERALD F. DECONTO MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP FUND. Captain DeConto, a Sandwich MA native, was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon. Thanks to your generosity we have been proudly awarding scholarships in Captain DeConto's memory since 2002.

The 5K starts with a brief memorial tribute at 9:00 A.M. on SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 20, 2026 at Stop & Shop Plaza 65 Rt 6A in SANDWICH, MA. The course is a scenic 3.1 mile route around the Sandwich Marina and beach area finishing back at the Stop & Shop Plaza. Runners and walkers are welcome. Runners will leave the starting line first with official timing by Spitler Race Systems of Pawtucket RI.

VIRTUAL OPTION also available (run or walk at ANY LOCATION and time on 9/19 OR 9/20).

PARTICIPANTS CAN REGISTER ONLINE, BY MAIL, OR IN-PERSON.

. _ONLINE REGISTRATION coming soon._

_. MAIL-IN REGISTRATION coming soon. _

. _I__N-PERSON REGISTRATION AND T-SHIRT/BIB PICK UP __STOP & SHOP PLAZA 65 RT 6A SANDWICH, MA:_
_ Saturday September 19, 2026 11am to 2pm_
_ Sunday September 20, 2026 7:30am to 8:30am_

TO DONATE to the Captain Gerald F. DeConto Memorial Scholarship Fund PLEASE SEE THE DONATE TAB.

A SPECIAL NOTE ABOUT THIS YEARS RACE: This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Sept 11th terrorist attacks. We appreciate your support on this anniversary as we remember and honor Captain DeConto and all those who lost their lives on 9/11.

As we did last year, we will also honor and remember Patricia DeConto, Captain DeConto's mother, who passed away in 2025. For more than two decades she dealt with the tragedy of her sons death on 9/11 with dignity and grace, while working tirelessly to make sure his sacrifice was not forgotten. She helped build a sports stadium in his memory and was the heart of this road race fundraiser inspiring all who attended with her encouraging words and heartfelt gratitude.

Thank you for your interest in our race and memorial scholarship fund. For more information visit www.geralddeconto5k.com [https://www.geralddeconto5k.com] #DeContoRace2026









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RACE & SCHOLARSHIP FUND HISTORY: Captain DeConto, a Sandwich MA native, was killed during the 9/11 terrorist attack on the Pentagon while on duty in the Navy Command Center. At the time of the terrorist attack on the Pentagon, Captain DeConto was in direct communication with the Secretary of the Navy coordinating the Navys response to the attacks on the World Trade Center. Captain DeConto was a dedicated Naval officer who was respected and admired by those he served for, by those he served with, and by those who served for him.



Captain DeConto was a high-spirited, caring person who enjoyed many activities, one of which was running, and he enjoyed them most when they were shared with family and friends. His Navy career took him all over the world, but he returned home to Cape Cod whenever he could and he spent the weekend before 9/11 in Sandwich with family and friends. The Captain Gerald F. DeConto USN Scholarship Fund was set up in his memory to honor him and the legacy he left behind which is one of service to his country, leadership, friendship, and love of life and family. It is his familys hope that through the scholarship fund Captain DeConto will continue to influence the lives of young people and that his memory and the ideals he believed in will live on.

Races

  • 5k Run/Walk - in Person

    Incl. $3.50 Fee & T-Shirt

    Sun 20th September 2026 (9:00AM EDT)

    $23.50

    OPENS 30 JUN
    Race location: Sandwich, MA. Official timing by Spitler Race Systems. For information on the 5k course www.geralddeconto5k.com.
  • 5k Run/Walk - Virtual

    Incl. $3.50 Fee & T-Shirt

    $18.50

    OPENS 30 JUN
    Virtual Participants: Please send an email to decontoroadrace@gmail.com if you would like to receive a race T-shirt by mail. Please note that virtual times will be posted separately from In Person race results.

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Location

Stop & Shop Plaza 65 Rt 6A, Sandwich, 02653, MA, United States

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