From leisurely 3.1 mile walks to functional fitness workouts created in honor of service members, there are several ways to pay tribute to veterans this month. Reserve & National Guard Magazine has compiled a variety of options for readers to choose from.
1. DAV 5K presented by Humana
Disabled American Veterans will hold its annual 5K race (where participants can walk, run or roll) both virtually and in person this year. In-person participants will converge Nov. 6 at the Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati, Ohio, with the opening ceremony beginning at 9 a.m. EST. Virtual competitors can log their times between Nov. 6-11. There also is the option to register as a team or individual.
Cost: $30 in-person event. $15 VIP veterans and youth. Free for veterans.
Register on the DAV website.
2. USO Trot for the Troops
The USO’s virtual event gives runners a span of eight days, Nov. 20-28, to complete a 5K race. Participants are encouraged to run, jog, walk, bike or swim. This run is the fourth in the USO’s 2021 virtual run series. Participants are encouraged to share photos and videos using the hashtag #USOTrot.
Cost: $38
Register on the USO Race Series section of the USO website.
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3. Veterans Day 5K Run/Walk (St. Louis)
Now in its sixth year, the race is hosted by St. Patrick Center, a nonprofit working to end homelessness, and winds through the heart of downtown St. Louis. In addition to the 5K, which kicks off at 9:30 a.m., there’s a 1-mile fun run and a kids’ dash. A parade honoring veterans will take place after the race. Runners also can participate virtually and have until Nov. 20 to submit their scores.
Cost: $40 (Veterans receive a $10 discount)
Register on the St. Patrick Center website.
4. Virtual VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero Walk
In continuing to raise funds for the VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero Scholarship, the VFW Foundation is hosting this virtual walk that can range from 0.1 miles to 10 miles. Registration is free, but donations are encouraged. Participants can join teams and fundraise to help meet the $1.5 million goal.
Cost: Donation only.
Register on the Virtual VFW Sport Clips Help a Hero Walk fundraising page.
5. Wounded Warrior Project Carry Forward 5K
This virtual race has been going on all year, allowing participants to select which date they would like to run – Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day or any other date that works for the individual. Participants are encouraged to fundraise. As of late October, the WWP Carry Forward 5K had raised more than $560,000.
Cost: $35 adult, $15 children ages 6-17.
Register on the WWP Carry Forward 5K website.
6. Honoring Our Heroes Marathon
Stretching from Salem, Missouri, to Rolla, Missouri, the Honoring Our Heroes Marathon will take place Nov. 20. Runners can participate virtually or in person to take in the views of south central Missouri. In addition to the marathon, there also are half-marathon, 10K and 5K options. Only in-person registration remains available.
7. Team RWB WOD for Warriors
Whether a CrossFit addict or just looking to get in a good workout honoring veterans, Team RWB will host its annual WOD (workout of the day) for Warriors event from Nov. 6-14. This year’s Hero WOD is “Armistice,” which consists of as many rounds and reps as possible in 19 minutes and 18 seconds of the following movements: 11 mountain climbers, 11 air squats, 11 hand-release pushups, 11 box-jump burpees, 100 meter run (substitute 30 seconds of row, bike, or jump rope if running is not an option). To see which gyms are hosting events, visit the WOD for Warriors website.
Cost: $35
Register on the WOD for Warriors website.
8. Run Fierce Honoring Our Veterans 5K/111.1 Mile Challenge Race
Take to the streets for either 3.1 or 111.1 miles this Veterans Day as part of Run Fierce’s military series. Donations will be made to Hope for the Warriors as part of the event. Participants can run, walk, bike or step on the treadmill to complete their desired distance.
Cost: $20.
Register on the Run Fierce website.
9. Veterans Honor Run (Avon, Ohio)
Funds raised from this Nov. 14 event will go toward the Valor Home of Lorain and the Nine Line Foundation, organizations that aid male veterans experiencing homelessness and wounded veterans, respectively. Participants can choose to run the race as a traditional 5K or 10K, or add a 5K/10K ruck.
Cost: $25 (5Ks, 1 mile fun run/walk), $35 (10Ks), $5 (kids run)
Register on the Veterans Honor Run website.
To find more runs honoring veterans, visit the Active website.
