The Conor Irwin Memorial Classic

We would like to take today to announce the 6th Annual Conor Irwin Memorial Classic 5K run. Conor was born on May 3rd, 2002 at 12:50AM. This year, he should be turning 22 years old. We hope many friends old and new will sign up in celebration of Conor. The support for Conor and Conor's scholarships from his home in Ledyard, Connecticut to his birth place in Michigan and all the travels in between helps the hearts of each one of us. Being a Coast Guard kid allowed for him to make friends literally around the nation and in a few instances around the world. The wonder each year, who will live the farthest away and virtually run? Who will live the farthest away and join us at the in-person run? Who will come in first? Who will have a PR (personal record)? Who will join us that is new to our story and who will join us that was there when our lives changed forever? Who will be the most creative with the virtual? And who will drop their shoes for the last little bit on the in-person track to honor Conor's dedication to the sport? Whatever the answers, our family is so thankful for each and every person who remembers Conor. 

This year's Conor Irwin Memorial Classic Virtual Run will be held April 3, 2024 through June 8, 2024. The Conor Irwin Memorial Classic In-Person Run takes place on the Conor S. Irwin Memorial Cross Country Course at Ledyard High School in Ledyard, CT on June 8, 2024 at 9:00 AM. Please consider wearing your favorite bow tie. Conor was known for his impeccable choices of bow ties.  We have three prizes for the best bow ties once again for virtual participants (running, walking, hiking, biking, swimming, rowing, kayaking, paddleboarding, rollerblading, canoeing, ice skating, your 5K in the shape of a bow tie).  Conor would have loved all the different and creative ways people completed their 5Ks, and we greatly appreciate your participation. There are also medals and awards for the In-Person race for the Top 3 Men and Women and the Top 3 Finishers in all age groups. As we have done for the past 2 years, we are also giving away 1 trip for a week's vacation at Conor's Cottage in Traverse City, Michigan!

The money raised from The Conor Irwin Memorial Classic funds scholarships for students to attend college, trade schools, and the Northwest Kingdom Running Camp (NKRC) in Vermont in Conor's name as a way to keep his outgoing spirit alive. Conor liked helping people without any need for recognition. Doing for others made him feel good. It just came naturally to him. He would be proud of every individual participating in this event and so humbled to see the amazing support. Our family is honored to bring his compassion and kindness to light by having this run in his name. 

Last year's academic scholarships went to Ben Fieldsend and his Coast Guard cousin, Ciara May McGrath.  As always, our goal is to raise one more dollar than last year and have one more person compete. We hope you will join us.

Love,

The Irwin Family