If you are looking for something fun, yet meaningful to do this weekend the Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation will be holding their 5th and final Run for Briggs 5K Run/Walk/Ruck and 1-Mile Kid’s Fun Run this Saturday, May 24, 2025. The event will be a rain or shine event on Burman Blvd in Calverton.
The Memorial Day Weekend event marks the culmination of five years of honoring Technical Sergeant Dashan J. Briggs. Briggs was a Riverhead native and hero who gave his life in service during a combat mission in Western Iraq on March 15, 2018. As a Special Missions Aviator in the 106th Rescue Wing of the NYS Air National Guard, Dashan made the ultimate sacrifice at just 30 years old.
Briggs was a 2007 graduate of Riverhead High School, where he played lacrosse and led the Blue Waves football team through an undefeated season in 2006.
Founded by his spouse and family, the Dashan J. Briggs Memorial Foundation has since been giving back in his name and award scholarships to students at Riverhead and Comsewogue High Schools, helping to keep Dashan’s values of perseverance, hard work, and dedication alive in future generations.
“While it is bittersweet to announce that this will be our final Run for Briggs, we remain committed to honoring Dashan’s legacy through new and meaningful initiatives,” the foundation said, “This event has been a beautiful way for our community to come together, and we hope to make this final race our biggest and most memorable yet.”
The event is part of the Suffolk County Veterans Run Series, officially kicking off the season with a powerful reminder of sacrifice and unity.
Participants are invited to run, walk, or ruck in memory of Dashan and all fallen service members. The event also celebrates his two children, Jayden and Ava, who have proudly participated in every Run for Briggs since its inception. At just nine and eight years old, they’ve completed numerous 5Ks and fun runs in honor of their father.