Annual Veteran's Day Family Fun Run and 10K Ruck Challenge

The Veterans Day Fun Run and Team Ruck Challenge is a competitive event that will be in its fourth year for 2016.   It is held in conjunction with Birmingham’s other Veterans Day events that include the National Veteran's Day Honoree of the Year Dinner, the World Peace Luncheon, the Veterans Memorial Service and the Veterans Day Parade on November 11^th each year.   All the proceeds from the Fun Run and Team Ruck Challenge are distributed to local charities that support veterans, as chosen by the winning teams.

Teams of 4-6 participants are recommended for the Ruck Challenge.    In the past, Teams from local running clubs, civic clubs, other non-profits, fitness facilities, neighborhood groups, ROTC detachments and military units (active/Reserve/National Guard) have entered.   Team Ruck participants are required to individually complete the 5k/10k course carrying a set amount of weight in a military rucksack (a 'ruck"), a commercial backpack or a weighted vest.  Participants are required to provide their own ruck & weights, no fancy equipment is required and an individual weigh-in is conducted at registration.  Runners & walkers that chose to complete the course without a ruck or want to compete individually will also be timed and recognized.  

Entry fees depend on which event the participant registers for / see the National Veterans Day website listed above for an entry form.

Birmingham's National Veterans Day Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that continues to conduct the nation's first federally recognized Veteran's Day celebration as proposed in 1947 by Birmingham's Honorable Raymond Weeks and approved by then General Dwight D. Eisenhower.