Home » Home » Community Rallies to Honor Fallen Air Force Hero, SSgt. Tristen Karun Wright in Upcoming 5K Memorial Run Set August 15

Community Rallies to Honor Fallen Air Force Hero, SSgt. Tristen Karun Wright in Upcoming 5K Memorial Run Set August 15

By  //  July 12, 2026

Palm Bay native’s legacy lives on through the Tristen Karun Wright Memorial Foundation

The Tristen Karun Wright (pictured) Memorial Foundation has officially announced its upcoming “iRUN4KARUN” 5K Run/Walk to be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Max K. Rodes Park Community Center, 3410 Flanagan Ave., in West Melbourne, Florida. The 5K gets underway at 8 a.m. To register for the 5K, CLICK HERE.

BREVARD COUNTY, FLORIDA – The Tristen Karun Wright Memorial Foundation has officially announced its upcoming “iRUN4KARUN” 5K Run/Walk to be held on Saturday, August 15, 2026, at Max K. Rodes Park Community Center, 3410 Flanagan Avenue, in West Melbourne, Florida. The 5K gets underway at 8 a.m.

This community event is dedicated to celebrating the life, service, and legacy of Staff Sergeant Tristen Karun Wright, an active-duty member of the United States Air Force who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Organizers invite participants of all fitness levels to run, walk, or jog the 5-kilometer (approximately 3-mile) course. The event is open to all ages, making it a family-friendly opportunity to support a meaningful cause. The cost to participate is $20.00, which will also include a T-shirt (2XL – 6XL is an additional $5.00).

Continuing the Mission

SSgt. Wright, a 2015 graduate of Heritage High School, became a fallen hero on August 15, 2024. Through this foundation and annual event, his family aims to keep his memory alive by continuing the mission of service, love, and legacy that he exemplified during his life.

For more information regarding corporate sponsorships or volunteer opportunities, community members can reach out to Demyia Biggs at 321-432-9167 or via email at TKWMEMORIALFOUNDATION@gmail.com.

To register for the 5K, CLICK HERE.

Article sponsored by Erdman Automotive and Craig Technologies.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR:

Steve Wilson moved to Brevard County in 1984 and has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 25 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports and the space industry, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

Steve Wilson was born in DeRidder, Louisiana and grew up in both New Orleans and Macon, Georgia.  He moved to Brevard County in 1984 and retired from local government as the Community Advocate/Assistant to the City Manager with the City of Rockledge in 2018.

Among the awards and accolades Steve has received over the years are 15 + year Rockledge Little League volunteer, Brevard Public School Jefferson Award Recipient, Rockledge High School Raider Booster Award 2001, 2006, City of Rockledge Employee of the Year 2006, Rockledge Kiwanian of the Year 2006-2007, City of Rockledge Quality Public Service Award 2008, 2012, 2017, Rockledge Kiwanis Citizen of the Year 2012-2013, Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Sportscasting 2015, Rockledge High School Leadership and Service Award 2016, Central Florida Humanitarian Award 2017, Space Coast Inspiration Award – 2018,  Space Coast Sports Hall of Fame – Lifetime Achievement – 2020, Ecofest Achievement Award – 2022, Quality Floridian Award – 2022, presented by U.S. Congressman Bill Posey, Florida House District 32 Constituent of the Week 4/20/25.

Wilson is especially proud of his chairing two fundraisers in support of pediatric cancer research through the St. Baldrick’s Foundation in honor of Merritt Island resident Julie Spurlock that raised over $25,000.00.

He has been a partner, along with Orville Susong, for the past 26 years with the Friday Night Locker Room, a broadcasting team that covers and reports on a wide variety of local events that are of significance to the residents of the Space Coast and beyond. Their mission is to promote youth sports, support first responders and law enforcement personnel, and showcase community and charitable events that are produced by our nonprofit partners in central Florida.

The Friday Night Locker Room has awarded hundreds of sports achievement plaques to Brevard County student-athletes over the years. They have also awarded more than $18,000 in academic scholarships to Brevard County high school seniors.