2026 Capt. Sisson Memorial 5K Run to Extinguish Firefighter Cancer
Schedule
Sat, 16 May, 2026 at 08:30 am
UTC-04:00Location
Burke Lake Park, Fairfax County | Burke, VA
Advertisement
https://bishopsevents.com/event/2026-george-l-sisson-memorial-5k-run-to-extinguish-firefighter-cancer/Points count towards our Year-Long 5k & Back of the Pack Series. Points will also count towards our Spring Series. Find more info about the series here.
Registration coming soon
Please note that Bishop’s Events promo/discount codes cannot be used to register for this event.
Join us for the George L. Sisson Memorial 5K, honoring the legacy of Captain George Sisson, a lifelong firefighter who served Montgomery, Fairfax, and Arlington counties for over 40 years. All proceeds from this event directly support the Firefighter Cancer Support Network (FCSN) in their mission to provide occupational-cancer awareness, prevention training, and resources to those battling cancer nationwide.
The race features a scenic, relatively flat course through Burke Lake Park—perfect for competitive runners and casual walkers. Your participation helps support the fight against firefighter cancer and carries forward Captain Sisson’s legacy of service and dedication to the community.
Support the Cause
Even if you’re unable to run or walk with us, you can still make a difference. Donations to FCSN help provide vital resources, prevention training, and direct support to firefighters battling cancer. Click here to contribute toward this year’s goal!
Virtual Race Option
We now offer a virtual run option for those who cannot make it on race day. Find more information about our virtual option on our Virtual Races page.
Runners Receive
Finisher’s Medal & A Chip Timed Event
Race shirts are available for purchase during registration at a cost of $20
Race Start Times
Packet Pickup & Race Day Registration – 7:30am
Pre-Race Announcements – 8:30am
5k – 9am
1 mile walk will start immediately following the start of the 5k – 9:03am
Awards – 10am
Registration Fees
5k (First Responder) – $25
5k – $30, until April 15 (Early Bird)
5k – $35, April 16 – May 23 (Standard)
5k – $40, race day registration
1-Mile Walk – $20
T-shirt add on – $25 – must be ordered with registration by May 1 to guarantee size
T-Shirt Design
T-shirt design for the race is available here as soon as it has been approved.
Race Medal Design
5K finishers will receive a custom firefighter challenge coin, a symbol of camaraderie, dedication, and service in the fire community, honoring both their effort and Captain Sisson’s legacy.
Course Maps can be found at
Burke Lake 5k (Shelter A) – MapMyFitness
Races leaving from Shelter A
This route is a trail route that is fairly flat and well maintained although there are roots to be navigated around. The 5k and 10k are a single out-and-back. The Half is out-and-back twice.
Back of the Pack Time: 11:30 (5/10k), 12:30 (Half)
Live Race Results
Live results will be posted on Athlinks.com. Additionally, there will be a QR code at the race for you to scan to immediately view your results. Final race results with series points will be posted to our website on the Monday following your race.
Runner tracking is now available when you sign up for a race with Bishop’s Events. Click on the green SMS button (see example below) at the end of your registration and have your race updates sent to your mobile device as well as those of your friends & family so they can track your race progress.
Awards
Awards:
● Top Overall Male & Female Finishers
● Age Group Awards (10-year increments)
Chip-timed event with instant results by Bishop’s Events.
Photos
We will post any photos taken by staff on our Facebook page by Tuesday after the event.
Social Media Challenge
On Tuesdays, we pick our favorite Instagram or Facebook post from the previous race weekend. The winner will receive 50% off a future race! Make sure to tag us in your race photos at:
Instagram: BishopsEventsLLC
Facebook: BishopsEvents
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup is available at the event. We recommend arriving one hour before your event start time to check-in.
Race Day Registration
There will be race day registration. Participants will need to arrive approximately one hour before the race to register for the event. T-shirt sizes cannot be guaranteed for race day registers.
***Price will increase on race morning by $5 for each distance
Water Stations
Two water stations will be along the 5k course at approximately mile markers 0.7 & 2.4. Gatorade will be available at some water stations. Water stations are subject to change as deemed necessary.
Restrooms
Restrooms can be located by the parking lot at Shelter A.
Volunteers
Volunteers should arrive approximately 60 minutes before the first race kicks off. We will assign volunteer tasks on race morning (water station, course marshals, finish line support, etc). You can find parking information under “Directions to Parking” with a latitude and longitude pin for where to meet.
Weather Policy
We are an all-weather race company (rain or shine or sleet or snow). We will email registered runners and post on social media if the race is cancelled, but this is quite rare, otherwise assume the race is taking place as scheduled.
Weekly weather reports are posted on the Thursday before race weekends on our Facebook page. Race officials may delay, change or postpone the event due to weather conditions. All registered runners will be notified via email of any changes. In most cases, a decision is not made until the night before the race, and a decision could come as late as the morning of the event.
Refunds & Transfers
To view our full refund/transfer policy, click here.
Directions to Parking
The race starts and ends in Burke Lake Park (7315 Ox Rd, Fairfax Station, VA 22039). Parking is at Shelter A. The Shelter is the first road on the right after passing the gatehouse and the Visitor’s Center once entering the park. The Shelter parking lot will be on the left. The best way to locate this event is via GPS using this latitudinal and longitudinal pin: 38.758244, -77.303988
Advertisement
Where is it happening?
Burke Lake Park, Fairfax County, 7315 Ox Rd,Burke, Virginia, United StatesEvent Location & Nearby Stays:
Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.
