If you are planning to be at your loved one's marker here are a few things to know or do:
- Find your loved one's location, date, and time on the spreadsheet.
- Meet up with us the morning of your day or the night before at the end-of-day ceremony. (routes and ceremony locations will be posted by day on the state route pages)
- Determine potential mile location by selecting the Map My Run link by each date.
- Markers should be pre-placed and location may be determined by locating your hero on the day route.
- We are following a specific route based on the map route however timing may vary throughout the day.
- Follow our prescribed route and find our caravan, we can guide you once we connect with you.
Q: What is The New York Run for the Fallen?
A: The New York Run for the Fallen is a statewide relay foot run to honor every New York Military Service Member who has died while serving or as a result of serving during the War on Terror since October 12, 2000. We run 200+ miles through ten counties for over 1300 fallen service members.
Q: How does the Run work?
A: A core team of trained runners, along with a support crew running a specific timed schedule, will stop at three to four-mile intervals at a pre-placed marker and speak out loud the name of each fallen service member. Family members, friends, and patriots will be waiting at their marker to meet the runners and hear each name called out in a short ceremony. Each ceremonial stop will be approximately 8 minutes as runners then continue toward the next marker.
Q: What support are we looking for?
A: As you can expect our needs are many and varied. Support is needed both locally and nationally, volunteer as well as financial. We need commitments from runners, support crew, law enforcement, sponsors, organizations, media, and individual communities. VOLUNTEER FORM
You may also participate or encourage others to join in our VIRTUAL RUN NOW.
Q: What Heroes are being honored along this tribute trail?
A: Our focus for this event is the War on Terror. We have identified New York State service members who have died while serving or as a result of serving during this period. Criteria include all service members who have fallen in the line of duty, or because of serving, regardless of the cause of death.
Q: Is this tribute primarily for those who died in action?
A: No. The Honor and Remember Organization and Flag recognize all military who died while serving or as a result of serving regardless of circumstance or time period. Subsequently, the Run for the Fallen honors all of those service members who served and died in battle or due to the overwhelming emotional scars of serving.
Q: How do I search to see if my Fallen Hero is being honored?
A: Every fallen service member since October 12, 2000, should be listed in our DATABASE. Click on FIND A HERO on our home page to search for your friend or loved one.
Q: What if the Hero's information is missing or inaccurate?
A: If you find any errors in the listed information please send an EMAIL or you may click on the FIND A HERO link and fill in the ADD A HERO section with updates.
Q: What if I can't find my Hero on the Run for the Fallen search?
A: If you use FIND A HERO and they are not identified there will be a link titled "ADD A HERO ". Please fill out all the required information and once we verify that they fit our criteria, they will be added to the run. While we have an extensive list of service members there may be many that we have missed. We need to hear from you if you cannot find your loved one along the route.
Q: Can a family member, friend, or comrade run with the core team for their mile?
A: Yes, but most importantly, they must be capable of keeping pace with our team members. In practice, that means that you should be capable of running that mile in 8.5-9.5 minutes. Please remember that whoever is running that mile must get their own transportation to the preceding Hero Marker in time to join our team. So - if your Hero Marker is 116 then you should be at 115 to join our team to run your mile. The planned arrival dates/times at each marker will be available on our maps well in advance of the run for each location.
Q: How do I meet the runners at my loved one's marker?
A: First, search for your loved one's mile along the route. A map is listed under the RUN-ROUTE-DAY tab for each of the four days. Second, let us know that you'll be there and we will do our best to identify the exact time and location of your hero's marker. Be sure to select "Stand At a Hero Marker" on the VOLUNTEER FORM.
Q: Can I stand and wait for the Run Team to arrive at my Hero's Marker?
A: We encourage ALL family members and friends to be at their loved one's marker if at all possible. Please bring photos, posters, banners, Honor and Remember Flags, or whatever personal tribute you would like to make. If you cannot attend because of distance, please send someone in your place. Each ceremonial stop will be approximately 8 minutes as runners then run toward the next marker.
Q: How do I find my Hero's Marker?
A: Hero Markers will be placed at the designated hero marker locations prior to the run.
Q: What will the Hero Marker Look Like?
A: Hero Markers will be printed in color and laminated on an 8 1/2" x 11" sheet of paper. Refer to the picture below.
Q: When Should I arrive at my Hero's Marker?
A: The distance between each Hero Marker is specifically timed. The team is running a pace of between 8.5-9.5 minutes between each marker. Depending on road conditions, weather, or traffic, they could be on time or behind. We will place an approximate timetable on each map and suggest you arrive 30-60 minutes ahead of schedule. You may also contact us on the day of the run so that we can update you on our progress. Each ceremonial stop will be approximately 8 minutes as runners then continue toward the next marker.
Q: I can't make it to our marker but would still like to participate.
A: Due to time and distance restraints we know you may not be available to directly participate at your specific marker. However, we would encourage you to send friends or relatives to your marker and you could stand at another marker that may be closer to your hometown.
Also - there are many other opportunities to participate by being a part of the beginning or closing ceremony each day or by concluding with us at the Gerald B.H. Solomon Saratoga National Cemetery in Schuylerville.
Q: Can my Hero's marker be moved to another location?
A: Yes. Unfortunately, because of the extensive number of lives lost it was impossible to place every marker near a hometown or family residence. However, if you determine that there may be a more convenient location for you, please let us know and we will work to accommodate.
Q: Are there other ways I can get involved?
A: There are many ways to help us fulfill this mission and as you can expect our needs are many and varied. Support is needed both locally and nationally, volunteer, as well as financially. We need commitments from runners, support crew, law enforcement, sponsors, organizations, media, and individual communities. One immediate way to help is to participate in our VIRTUAL RUN NOW program. Also, please fill out our VOLUNTEER FORM or CONTACT US.