Memorial Day Run & March
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Memorial Day Run & March
The Memorial Day Run & March is organized by the Special Forces Foundation and takes place at America The Beautiful Park in Colorado Springs on Saturday, May 16th, 2026. The event invites civilians, veterans, and uniformed military to race, run, ruck, walk, or roll on three route options.
Participants may choose from these distances:
- 5K - Run or ruck, open to walkers and strollers.
- 10K - Run or ruck, shared sections with 30K route.
- 30K - Ruck only; 25 lb rucksack of non-perishable food required.
All routes are chip-timed and kids 12 and under receive free entry to the fairgrounds and any route (timing bib, medal, and shirt not included). Dogs are welcome on the course but are not permitted inside the event center; dogs must be leashed and owners must clean up after them. Strollers and wheelchairs are allowed; bicycles and in-line skates are not.
The 30K Ruck March requires carrying 25 lb of non-perishable food, which will be donated after the event; that weight is also tied to qualification for the Norwegian Foot March Badge. The event partners with Mount Carmel Veterans Service Center and donates food to local veterans organizations. Since 2015, the event has recorded large-scale food donations and directs 100% of its benefits to local Colorado veterans.
Safety measures include on-site medical personnel and golf cart assistance, visible route signage, and guidance to keep headphone volume low and stay alert. In an emergency, participants should call 911. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
