The Second Annual Trooper Thompsen Memorial 5K Run and Walk will bring runners, families and community members together in St. Joseph to honor a fallen Illinois State Police trooper while supporting local scholarships and survivor programs.
ST. JOSEPH - Community members and area runners will have an opportunity to honor the memory of a fallen Illinois State Police trooper while supporting local causes during the Second Annual Trooper Thompsen Memorial 5K Run and Walk on Saturday, June 13, at the St. Joseph Community Sports Complex at Woodard Family Park.
The event serves as a tribute to Illinois State Trooper Corey S. Thompsen, a lifelong St. Joseph resident and graduate of St. Joseph-Ogden High School who was killed in the line of duty on Oct. 18, 2024.
Organizers say the event is designed not only to remember Thompsen's life and service, but also to continue his legacy of helping others through community-focused initiatives.
Photo: PhotoNews/Clark Brooks
Corey, a long distance running specialist at St. Joseph-Ogden High School, runs in the 2014 SJO 5K.
All proceeds from the event will benefit the Trooper Corey S. Thompsen Memorial Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of East Central Illinois. The fund supports local community projects and scholarships in Thompsen's name. This year's proceeds will specifically benefit the Illinois Chapter of Concerns of Police Survivors and a scholarship through the Danville Area Community College Foundation.
Activities will begin at 3 p.m. and include a variety of family-friendly attractions. Visitors can explore first responder vehicles during a touch-a-truck event, visit the St. Joseph-Ogden FFA barnyard, enjoy face painting, participate in raffles and browse items available through a silent auction.
Food and refreshments will be available for purchase throughout the afternoon from Smith Burger, Brien's Bistro and Sidney Dairy Barn.
The kids' run is scheduled to begin at 4:30 p.m., followed by the 5K run and walk at 5 p.m.
Packet pickup will be available from 4 to 7 p.m. Friday and again from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. Saturday at the Woodard Family Park Pavilion.
Awards will be presented immediately following the race. The overall male and female 5K winners will each receive a pair of running shoes donated by Body'n'Sole. Additional awards will recognize the top overall male and female first responders, along with winners in various age-group categories.
Organizers say the event reflects the community's commitment to remembering Thompsen's service and sacrifice while supporting programs that will continue benefiting area residents for years to come.
Whether participants choose to run, walk or simply attend in support, the event offers an opportunity for the community to come together in remembrance while helping advance a legacy rooted in service, dedication and positive impact.
For more information and to sign up for the event, go to
https://runsignup.com/Race/IL/SaintJoseph/TrooperThompsenMemorial5k.
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