Escape Belle Isle 5K
Always double-check with the organizer's website! This page may contain affiliate links.
Escape Belle Isle 5K Run and Ruck
The Escape Belle Isle event is scheduled for Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Richmond, Virginia at 621 S. Belvidere Street. The event program includes an in-person 5K Run, an in-person 5K Ruck, and virtual 5K run or ruck options offered with or without swag.
The mapped course begins at the Virginia War Memorial, proceeds northeast on 2nd Street, turns onto E Byrd Street and 5th Street toward the river, follows Tredegar Street and a pedestrian bridge around Belle Isle, reaches a wooden bridge turnaround, and returns across the pedestrian bridge to finish at the Virginia War Memorial. Participants will encounter some hills, paved sidewalks, and gravel paths. Strollers and dogs are permitted when users are courteous to others.
The ruck division requires a weighted rucksack or weighted backpack to qualify for competitive awards. Competitive weight standards are minimums of 25 pounds for females and 35 pounds for males. Weighted vests and ruck plate carriers qualify. LEOs and firefighters in full turnout gear also qualify for the competitive division. Rucks are weighed before the start and must meet the prescribed weight for the duration of the event. Ruck participants who do not meet the minimum weight may still participate and receive a patch and challenge coin but will skip the weigh in and will not qualify for medal consideration. Awards are presented to the top three overall male and top three overall female ruck finishers who meet the weight standard; there are no age brackets in the ruck division.
The event benefits Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit that provides financial assistance and long term support to wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Virtual participants may complete their run or ruck during Military Appreciation Month, May 1 through May 31, and submit results; virtual entries are entered into a drawing for a GO RUCK and swag shipments begin in early May. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
