Unity Run to Honor First Responders

Thousands of Seacoast area residents and police officers are expected to participate in the second annual "Chief Maloney Unity Run and Walk" this Sunday as a way to honor all first responders.

“In light of recent events now more than ever, we encourage the community to join together as one with their local Law Enforcement Officers. This event has always been about Unity and on Sunday the 28th you have a chance to stand up against violence and help raise money for New England First Responders," reads a statement from the Michael Maloney UNITY Run/Walk Committee.

The event was created a year ago by Portsmouth Police Officer Robert Lukacz as a way to remember Greenland Police Chief Michael Maloney who was killed on April 12, 2012 during a drug raid and to raise money to help his family. The first Unity run attracted more than 2,200 people. This year, organizers say they already have 1,000 people registered with a cap of 3,000 participants.

"The Unity Run is non-profit with 100 percent of the proceeds going to the Chief Michael Maloney Memorial Fund, Inc. which is in place to assist New England Public Safety Members and their families who have been killed or injured in the line of duty and other charitable causes," reads a statement from the Unity run organizers. 

The event is open to anyone who is a runner or a walker and begins at the Portsmouth Police Department and extends for 5.6 miles to the Greenland Police Station where a post-race party with food, beer and music will be held. The race begins at 9 a.m. and costs $30 to register online and $35 on the day of the race.

People can register at millenniumrunning.com/maloney.