The Annual Justin Sisson 5K Run/Walk for the Fallen is set to kick off this Saturday for the seventh time, giving students and members of the university community the opportunity to raise scholarship funds and pay respects to the memory of a distinguished FSU graduate.
The event is named after alumnus and decorated Army 2nd Lt. Justin Sisson who was killed by a suicide bomber June 3, 2013, while leading his platoon in Afghanistan. He was 23 years old.
“Justin was passionate about service, and he was passionate about FSU,” said Phyllis Sisson, Justin’s mother. “His legacy lives on in those inspired by his story, his courage, and his dedication to our country.”
Sisson’s love of FSU ran deep; he twice passed up appointments to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point to remain a member of FSU’s Seminole Battalion. He was an Eagle Scout and co-captain of his high school wrestling team who earned an ROTC Scholarship at FSU.
Between his sophomore and junior years at FSU, Sisson chose to deploy with his National Guard unit for a year in Mosul, Iraq. He was promoted to specialist and received the Bronze Star for his service during this deployment. Sisson returned to FSU, graduated in 2012 and deployed to Afghanistan in April 2013.
The previous six races have raised nearly $200,000 for the Justin Sisson Outstanding Cadet Scholarship, established by the Sisson family. Those scholarships benefit FSU ROTC cadets and FSU student veterans who embody Justin’s dedication to family, country and duty.
Phyllis Sisson encouraged runners, walkers and anyone who wants to contribute to join them and register online.
“We invite our FSU family, military and veterans, and the community to join us and make this year’s race the biggest yet,” she said.
This year’s event will take place:
SATURDAY, FEB. 29
8 A.M. – 11:30 A.M.
LANGFORD GREEN AT DOAK CAMPBELL STADIUM
REGISTER AT EVENTBRITE
DONATIONS CAN BE MADE AT FSU SPARK
Virtual racers who register online will still get a t-shirt and are invited to tag pictures and videos of their run with #justinsisson5K. Walkers, strollers and leashed pets are all welcome.