Sgt Chris Hampton Memorial 5k

On November 25th, 2020, during his tour of duty, our Dearborn Police family lost our colleague Sgt. Christopher Hampton to suicide. Chris was a wonderful human being, a caring friend, a loving son, brother and father, and an amazing Police Officer. The Dearborn Police Officer’s Charity decided to start this run/walk in 2021 in Chris’ memory, as his passing brought to light the importance of raising awareness of all those who suffer from anxiety, depressive and other mental health issues – particularly first responders, who often remain silent about these same struggles.  

Partnering with the City of Dearborn and Trivium Racing, our inaugural event was  a great success, heavily support by our community who turned-out to sponsor, support, volunteer and participate. 2023’s 3rd 5K was our biggest and best so far. Keeping Chris’ memory alive, we continue to work with his family to present each event with a theme based on his vast love of ‘80’s movies.  Past themes Robo Cop, and last year’s wildly popular Back to the Future, bring fun and connection and fond memories for all, even in raising awareness of a very serious topic.  This year we’re excited to announce Ghostbusters as the theme for the 4th Annual Chris Hampton Memorial 5K. With a date closer to Halloween, we are planning a number of fun surprises and activities for people of all ages to enjoy – and as always – costumes are not only welcomed BUT ENCOURAGED!

Also returning in 2024 is our empowering sponsor and ally in working to eliminate the stigma of mental illness, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Blue Cross shares our mission to end stigma and to normalize the conversation around mental health by supporting events just like ours.  An incredible partner to have in this space, Blue Cross works with a number of statewide specialists such as their Mental Health Advocate, former Detroit Lions Quarterback, Eric Hipple who will also be joining us again this year at the event. 

As we continue to grow, our goals for this 5K will remain the same: to reach more people, add new participants, bring light and awareness and connection to those who have lost someone, or who are they themselves struggling with depressive illnesses, and to continue to raise funds for service organizations like Call for Backup, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) and this year’s beneficiary, Michigan Concerns of Police Survivors.

Whether you are struggling yourself, are a suicide survivor or survivor family, or an ally and advocate of first responders, or just want to come out to test your athletic abilities or stretch your legs in a beautiful fall park setting, we WELCOME YOU to the 4th Annual Chris Hampton Memorial 5K!  PLEASE JOIN US! We believe you’ll be glad you did.