SSG Tanner Grone Memorial 5k

Join us for the second annual SSG Tanner Grone Memorial 5K, a special race dedicated to honoring the life and legacy of SSG Tanner Grone, a beloved local community member who enjoyed bringing people together and having fun. This event, organized by Tanner's sister and one of his best friends, will celebrate his love for community, family, and friendships, while raising funds to support a Gorham High School Senior who shares values close to his heart.

Tanner enlisted in the Army on July 11, 2017, and to honor his service and his spirit, the race will take place each year in July. The month that marked the beginning of his military journey, and the beginning of finding himself. 

The 5K course will start at Tanner’s soccer field, a place where he excelled and made lifelong memories. The race will wind its way through the town, passing Tanner’s childhood home and the schools he attended, offering participants a heartfelt journey through a few of the places that shaped his life.

Post-race celebrations will include light refreshments, music, and yard games. 

Come run, walk, or cheer on participants as we honor SSG Tanner Grone — a true friend, brother, and hero. Let’s unite in his memory and continue the legacy he built of love, camaraderie, and service. 

Register Today and Join Us in Honoring Tanner’s Legacy!

Can I register on the day of the race?

• Yes, same-day registration is available, but we encourage pre-registration. 

Is there a registration fee?

• Yes, the registration fee is $20. Fees cover race participation, a race bib, and a finisher’s medal.

Is there an age limit for children?

• Children of all ages are welcome to join. For registration, if you and your child would like the race package (bib, medal, and post-race refreshments), you must also register them,however, they are welcome to join in beside you without registering. 

Can I purchase a t-shirt without participating?

• Yes, please visit the store tab above and contact us at tanners5k@gmail.com if you need the shirt shipped to you. Please purchase all shirts in advance. 

Is the event timed?

• Unfortunately, we will not have a timing company. We will be manually recording everyone's time and posting them after the race. 

Do I need to bring my own water?

• It might be hot, so we encourage you to bring water. Our water station will be at mile 2, donated by Capital Well. 

Are pets allowed?

• Pets are welcome on the race course. However, pets are not allowed in the festival area after the race.

Will there be food or refreshments available?

• Yes! Some light post-race refreshments will be provided. 

Can I run with a stroller?

• Strollers are allowed, but please start at the back of the race to ensure the safety of all participants.

Is the race held rain or shine?

• Yes, the race will proceed rain or shine, so please dress appropriately for the weather. In the case of extreme weather (e.g., lightning), the race may be delayed or canceled for safety. Please note that we will try our best to reschedule for the next day, but there are no guarantees. 

How can I volunteer for the event? 

• We would love your help! Please reach out to us at tanners5k@gmail.com for more information.

I can't participate but would like to donate.

• There is a donate button on the top of the page, or reach out to us via email. Please know that we appreciate your generosity. 

 I would like to help sponsor this event. 

• Please reach out to us at tanners5k@gmail.com to discuss options that work best for you. 

Can I transfer my registration or get a refund?

• Unfortunately, registrations are non-refundable, but you can transfer your registration to another participant up to a week before the race.

Will there be race photos?

• Felicia Voisine of FV Photography has generously volunteered to photograph the event. Race photos will be shared after the event. 
• 2025 Photos can be downloaded from the FV Photography website 

The FIVE Foundation was created to honor Staff Sergeant Tanner W. Grone and the 160th SOAR crew (Steve, Shane, Andy, and Cade) who gave their lives in service to our country on November 10th 2023. Our mission is to support the military community and values that Tanner felt strongly about while keeping his legacy alive through the values he lived by—Focus, Integrity, Valor, and Endurance.

The name FIVE carries both symbolic and deeply personal meaning. It reflects those guiding values, but also countless reminders of Tanner’s presence. The number was his soccer jersey, the last conversation with his sister Emily happened on November 5th, five days before the accident, and lasted five minutes. Their Snapchat streak had reached 1,555 days, and National Siblings Day fell in the fifth month after Tanner’s passing. On the night of the accident, there were five helicopters in the air, and five soldiers aboard the fallen Black Hawk. To Tanner’s loved ones, these moments are more than coincidence, and more "5's" have appeared when they need it the most as a reminder of his spirit.

Through the FIVE Foundation, we channel that spirit into action. One of our proudest efforts is the SSG Tanner Grone Memorial 5k which raises funds to support the scholarship established by Tanner’s best friend, Jarred Stewart. This scholarship helps support high school grads pursue their goals in Tanner’s honor.

We hope to continue to grow the foundation in honor of the fallen five and support the communities that share similar values to them. 

At its core, the FIVE Foundation is a promise: to remember, to give, and to live with focus, integrity, valor, and endurance—just as Tanner and his brothers-in-arms did.

 

The FIVE Foundation is led by a small, dedicated group of Tanner’s family and friends:

Founder: Emily Lemoine 
Scholarship Fund Founder: Jarred Stewart
Erica Grone, Steve Grone, Mike Lemoine
Volunteers: Jennifer Stewart and Jeff Stewart
Together, they work to ensure Tanner’s legacy continues to inspire and make a lasting impact.

 

FIVE Foundation Corp. 

501(c)(3) Non-Profit Status 

EIN: 33 - 4765184

The Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone Memorial Award was established to provide financial assistance to a graduating senior of Gorham Middle High School who will either be enlisting in the military or pursuing a career in the trades.
The recipient will be chosen by the family and friends of Staff Sgt. Tanner W. Grone. The scholarship will be paid directly to the recipient at the annual scholarship awards night.
Criteria:
Priority will go to the candidate who is pursuing a career in any of the following:

• Military
• Mechanic
• Plumber
• Electrician
• Landscaper
• Painter
• Carpenter

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualities:

• Loyalty
• Determination
• Community Pride
• Leadership
• Loves for the outdoors and riding ATV's
• Courage
• Loves playing sports

 

Previous Recipients: 

2024: Brendan Saladino 

2025: Connor Lemoine