Veterans 5K Run & Walk
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Event overview
The Veterans 5K Run & Walk takes place on November 8, 2025 in Rockford, IL (1288 Elmwood Road). The event benefits the Veterans Drop-In Center and is held at Mercy Health SportScore-One, Veterans Memorial Park. The certified 5K course (USATF IL19039NM) runs into the Winnebago Forest Preserve and includes a loop around a pond. Packet pickup is held at the Soccer Center building at the SportCore-1 facility on the days before and the day of the event.
Distances
- 5K Run & Walk
- 5K Ruck
- 5K Kids (children 1-17)
- Kids Fun Run - free for kids 10 and under
Race format and logistics
Standard registration fees listed are $35 for most participants and $15 for children 17 and under; a free Kids Fun Run and volunteer option are also provided. Online registration closes November 7, 2025; there is no day-of-event registration after that. Shirts are guaranteed for registrations completed by October 19, 2025. Inline skates and dogs are not permitted on the course.
The 5K Ruck requires participants to carry a rucksack for the full distance: 20 lb for those over 150 lb, 10 lb for those under 150 lb. Timing is provided by Tri-3 Sports Timing. Awards include dog tag medals for top overall male and female and top three in detailed age groups, plus cash awards for overall, veteran, and masters categories. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.