Webster Square Fire Station – with the W-6 placard
15th Annual Worcester Firefighters 6K Road Race
This Sunday, June 14
6K WILL START AT 11:30 A.M
Institute Park, Worcester
For more information call Lt. John Franco at 774-696-1826.
The WFD6K Road Race was started after the devastating loss of our six brothers in the Worcester Cold Storage Fire back on December 3, 1999. The nonprofit proceeds from this event have changed since its conception: At first we donated the proceeds to help raise money for the permanent Memorial being built in the memory of our fallen brothers. After the first year (in which all the proceeds were donated to the Memorial) we decided to give back to our community – our way of saying thank you for all the support that was given to us during the tragedy. From humble beginnings, this race quickly evolved into Worcester’s biggest community and family oriented charitable event.
For the past 15 years, the Worcester Firefighters 6K Road Race has touched more lives than we ever thought possible. To date, we have donated over $500,000 to local charities. Our 3 primary, well deserving charities, that we feel best represent the goals of the WFD6K are NEADS, dogs for deaf and disabled Americans, Genesis Club and Community Harvest Project. We have also donated to the Remembrance Wall and the Jon Davies Memorial both located in front of the Franklin Street Fire Station which has become our personal Memorial to our Fallen Brothers.
Each year our event is grounded in commemorating our fallen brothers, a fitting tribute to keep their memory alive. Our committee is overwhelmed by the continuing support we receive from the WFD6K runners, volunteers and sponsors, all of whom have become part of our family.
The race is unlike any other race around, our race day focus is not simply on the race itself, nor is it the focus on the charitable donations. It is more about the community and bringing the city and surrounding towns together as we celebrate the spirit of the day – block party style! Everyone is invited to join us at the finish line for a free BBQ, live music, beverages, clowns, moonwalk, massages, a silent auction and a post race party at Tweed’s and so much more.
We have been told by many that our race kick off is a sight to behold, which includes a performance by the Worcester Firefighter Pipes and Drums. The race itself starts and ends at Institute Park running under two aerial ladder trucks draping the American Flag. The course is a figure 8 that runs by the Grove Street Fire Station and downtown Worcester. Our participants span from the area’s best athletes and most competitive runners to those who casually can enjoy walking and reflecting on the moment.
The memory of our fallen brothers (Paul, Jay, Jerry, Joe, Tom, Tim, and Jon) will never die as long as we keep this event going. With the help of our runners / walkers and sponsors it will continue to live on. So please help the WFD6K continue to give back to the Worcester community and local nonprofit charities by joining us again this year. As always thank you for your consideration and support.