Colorado Veterans Project (CVP), one of the largest veteran-related nonprofits in Colorado, has announced that its annual Memorial Day Run & March, in partnership with the Special Forces Foundation, will be held on Saturday, May 20 at UCHealth Park, located at 4385 Tutt Blvd. in Colorado Springs, Colo.
In its ninth year, and for the third time in Colorado Springs, the annual run and march raises funds and collects food donations for Colorado veterans experiencing homelessness. Athletes may participate in a 5K, 10K or 30K run, or choose to ruck march, where each athlete will carry a 25-pound rucksack filled with non-perishable food items to donate post-race. Participants of the 30K ruck march must bring 25 pounds of food to run, but all are encouraged to bring food donations. Those who choose to attempt the 30K ruck march will have the unique opportunity to earn the Norwegian Foot March Badge, a prestigious award of tactical advancement not commonly available in the U.S. CVP will also offer a virtual 5K run or ruck march, to be completed between Wednesday, May 10 and Wednesday, May 31.
“We’re thrilled to partner with the Special Forces Foundation to host the Memorial Day Run & March in support of our local veterans and in honor of our fallen heroes,” said Todd Youngblood, board president of Colorado Veterans Project. “This is a great opportunity for the Colorado Springs community to gather and give back to those who have made the ultimate sacrifice. Plus, since the Run & March will be held the weekend before Memorial Day weekend, people can still enjoy the other activities they may have planned.”
The in-person Memorial Day Run & March will begin with check-in at 6:30 a.m., followed by the opening ceremony at 7:30 a.m. The 30K ruck march will start at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K run and ruck march at 8:10 a.m., and the 5K run and ruck march at 8:15 a.m. Registration is open now through Monday, May 15, and is priced at $45 for the 5K run or ruck march, $50 for the 10K run or ruck march and $65 for the 30K run or ruck march.
Virtual participants can sign up for the virtual 5K run or ruck march for $40 and record routes and time details online through RunSignUp.com. Registration also includes an exclusive event T-shirt, finisher medal and a timing bib. Participants may pick up their packets prior to the race from 12:30 to 5:30 p.m. on Friday, May 19.