Veteran's Day Defenders Dash 10k
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Event overview
The 2025 Veteran’s Day Defenders Dash is a road and trail running event at Burke Lake Park on November 8. The event includes in-person 5k and 10k distances and a virtual race option. Points from the event count toward the Year-Long 5k, 10k, and Back of the Pack series and toward the Fall Series. Walkers are welcome. Registered participants receive a finisher’s medal, a technical (Dri-Fit) event shirt, and chip timing. The event supports the Yellow Ribbon Fund, which provides housing, transportation, and caregiver support for recovering post-9/11 service members and their families.
Course and logistics
- 5k
- 10k
The course is a combination of paved road and trail. For both distances the first and last half mile are on paved roads. The trail sections have some roots but are described as fairly well maintained with no major elevation gains. Water stations are placed along each course: two for the 5k (approximate mile markers 0.5 and 2.6) and three for the 10k (approximate mile markers 0.5, 3.1, and 5.7); Gatorade will be available at some stations. Awards are given to the top three men and women overall and to first and second in standard age groups; top overall finishers are not eligible for age-group awards. Packet pickup and race day registration are available at the event. Parking is inside Burke Lake Park near the mini golf area; GPS coordinates are provided by the organizer. Live results will be posted on Athlinks and via an on-site QR code. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.