PORTSMOUTH, NH (NEWS CENTER) -- Thousands of runners gathered in Portsmouth New Hampshire today to honor fallen Greenland police chief Michael Maloney.

The event was supposed to be just a handful of police officers running from Portsmouth to Greenland. But it quickly grew to a full-on road race, attracting people from all over New England who wanted to pay tribute to Chief Maloney. Organizers say more than 1,700 people pre-registered for the 5.4 mile run. They expected the final numbers to be well over two thousand runners and walkers. Portsmouth Police Chief David Ferland says the event is a positive way for the community to come together after dealing with such a tragedy. He says Chief Maloney would have been proud.

"I knew Mike very well and I think Mike would be very humbled at the turnout today," Chief Ferland said. "I think he'd be laughing right now at all these folks going, 'what for me?' But I just think it's terrific. I think it's wonderful that this community is coming together the way it is."

Proceeds from the event will go to the Chief Maloney Family Fund.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

NEWS CENTER