Celebrating 20 Years of the Red Bandanna 5K BC community marks two decades of racing in honor of 9/11 hero Welles Crowther '99

Every October, Boston College community members lace up their sneakers for the Volunteer & Service Learning Center's Red Bandanna Run, held to celebrate the legacy of September 11 hero Welles Remy Crowther '99. This year's race will be held October 19, 2024.

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A look back at the history of one of BC's proudest traditions...

The first Red Bandanna Run took place on Sept. 24, 2005, and was covered in both the student newspaper, The Heights, and the University's news source, Chronicle.

The race quickly became a tradition on the Heights, raising thousands of dollars for the Crowther Charitable Trust.

2009

By the fifth year, the Red Bandanna 5K was a must-attend event on campus.

2013

2014

On the event's 10th anniversary, 10-year-old Welles McDevitt ran the race for the first time. His parents, Class of '97 alumni Colin and Tracey (Lapan) McDevitt, named him after Crowther, who graduated two years behind them.

2015

2016

On October 15, more than 1,400 crossed the finish line in honor of Welles.

Race Recap

2017

2018

2019

2020

In 2020, with the COVID-19 pandemic causing widespread health concerns, race organizers shifted to a virtual format. Eagles around the globe ran the race individually, posting photos and videos in red bandanna masks to show their love and support for Welles and the Crowther family.

Red Bandanna Race Goes Virtual

Virtual 5K Photo Gallery

2021

As college life got back to "normal," the Red Bandanna 5K returned to an in-person event, bringing community together at the start of the school year.

2022

2022 saw one of the best-ever turnouts, as BC community members flocked to the Heights and many around the country participated virtually in support of the Man in the Red Bandanna.

Photo Gallery

2023

More about Welles from BC Athletics

For the 20th time, see you at the start line, Eagles.