Capt. Sisson Memorial 5K

The Captain Sisson Memorial 5K: Run to Extinguish Firefighter Cancer is scheduled for Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Burke Lake Park in Fairfax Station, Virginia. This event honors the 40-year legacy of Retired Captain II George L. Sisson and raises funds for the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN). The race highlights a critical health issue: cancer is the leading cause of death among firefighters, accounting for approximately 66% of career firefighter line-of-duty deaths nationwide. Event Schedule and Logistics

The race activities are centered at Burke Lake Park Shelter A, featuring a scenic route through the park's wooded trails.

Activity	Date	Time / Location
Check-in Opens	Sat, May 16, 2026	7:30 AM (Shelter A)
5K Race Start	Sat, May 16, 2026	9:00 AM EDT
1-Mile Walk Start	Sat, May 16, 2026	9:05 AM EDT
Awards & Remarks	Sat, May 16, 2026	10:00 AM EDT

Course Details and Participation

The course takes participants through a scenic, partly unpaved trail around Burke Lake, offering a natural and varied terrain.

• - The Experience: Designed to be inclusive, the event offers both a timed 5K for competitive runners and an untimed 1-mile walk for families and supporters.
• - The Afterparty: Following the awards ceremony, participants are invited to Bunnyman Brewing in Lorton. The brewery is donating 15% of all sales from the afterparty to the FCSN.
• - Legacy: Captain Sisson was diagnosed with stage IV lung cancer after decades of service. The FCSN provided mentorship and resources that were vital during his journey, a service now available to firefighters nationwide.

The Mission: Firefighter Health Statistics

Proceeds benefit the FCSN, which focuses on prevention and support. Research underscores the heightened risks faced by those in the fire service:

• - Increased Cancer Risk: Firefighters have a 9% higher risk of being diagnosed with cancer and a 14% higher risk of dying from cancer compared to the general U.S. population.
• - Specific Conditions: Firefighters face significantly higher rates of specific cancers, including a 2x higher risk of testicular cancer and a 1.5x higher risk of multiple myeloma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• - Demographic Impact: While cancer affects all firefighters, studies have shown that Black and Hispanic firefighters may face different exposure risks or health outcomes due to the specific urban environments or older stations they are often assigned to; however, occupational cancer remains the top health threat across all racial groups in the service.

Registration and Support

First responders are eligible for a discounted registration rate by using the code HEROES during the checkout process.

• - Registration Tiers: Early bird pricing is available through April 30, followed by general registration. Day-of registration will be open at the park for $40.
• - Walk Donation: The 1-mile walk operates on a "donate what you can" basis to encourage maximum community participation.
• - Sponsorship: Major support for the event is provided by IAFF Local 2068 and various local organizations dedicated to fire and rescue safety.

Contact Information

For inquiries regarding course accessibility, volunteer opportunities, or the afterparty logistics, please contact Abigail Sisson or visit the official Firefighter Cancer Support Network website.