Recount the Past. Prepare for the Future.
Join us Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Midland College campuses for a Veterans Day memorial event.
We have 4 events for individuals to publicly support local Veterans.
Acts of Service to Inspire the Future Generation of Americans
--> 5K RUN (Marine Standard)
--> 10K RUN
--> 1K Troop In Training RUN
--> 5K Memorial Ruck Challenge
Saturday, November 7, 2026
7:00–7:30 AM — Ruck Weight Check
7:35 AM — 1K Troop in Training
8:00 AM — All Remaining Races START
8:00 AM — Job & Resource Fair OPEN
9:45 AM — Race Course Closure
10:00 AM — Veterans Day Ceremony
11:00 AM–3:00 PM — Veterans Day Ceremony Programs
Veterans Day 5 KM Ruck adds a service component to the traditional 5 KM.
Participants will carry sugggested canned goods as their official ruck weight throughout the entire 5K. After the race, all canned goods will be donated to the West Texas Food Bank.
Ruck Requirements
Men: Minimum 30 pounds of canned goods
Women: Minimum 20 pounds of canned goods
Ruck participants must:
- Arrive by 7:00 AM
- Report for pack weigh-in between 7:00–7:30 AM
- Bring their canned goods already packed in the bag/backpack they intend to carry
- Meet the minimum qualifying weight before the race
- Complete the entire 5K carrying the qualifying load
Every qualifying ruck finisher will receive:
Finisher Medal + Custom USA 250 Veterans Day Ruck Patch
The patch is intended to be worn on the participant's ruck or backpack as a reminder of the weight carried in service to someone else.
Click here to view the course map.
Start/Finish Area: Midland College Chaparral Center / P.E. complex run staging area.
ALL participants will recieve a custom Veterans Day Run/Ruck finisher medal. 5K Ruck finisher will recieve a commemorative ruck patch.
The races are one part of a much larger Veterans Day Celebration taking place throughout Midland College from 8:00 AM–3:00 PM.
Participants are encouraged to stay after the races.
The day is expected to include:
- Veterans Recognition Ceremony
- Veterans Resource Fair
- Job Fair
- Health and fitness vendors
- Family activities
- Petting zoo
- First responder vehicles
- Fire truck and ambulance
- Veterans organizations
- Possible motorcycle display
- Scouts activities
- Food and refreshments
- DJ / entertainment
- Community organizations
The Veterans Ceremony begins at 10:00 AM following the morning running events.
We will also have a dedicated area with some of our favorite local vendors.
If you are a vendor and are interested in being a part of this. Please email rd@theathleticcompany.com for more information.
*More info to come!*
Contact Form
Event Location
Midland College - P.E. Building & Chaparral Center Area
3600 N Garfield St
Midland, TX 79705 US
View Location on Map
