Event Description

Be associated with a new and upcoming event and make a positive difference in supporting our service men and women during Military Appreciation month!! With the great downtown location, views of the river, and traversing Belle Isle, this 5K run and ruck will be one for the books! Escape Belle Isle 5K and Ruck is dedicated to attracting a variety of participants from casual to athletic runners to those who want a good rucking challenge in honor of our military.

Race day is on Saturday, May 4, 2024, with check-in activities from 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 a.m., opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m., and the 5K race set to start by 9:30 a.m., and the 5k ruck at 9:35 a.m.  The course will start at the Virginia War Memorial, head northeast up 2nd street, turn right onto E Byrd Street, right turn down 5th street toward the river, turn left onto Tredegar Street, crossing the pedestrian bridge to go around Belle Isle, back across the pedestrian bridge and up Brown’s Island Way to finish at the Virginia War Memorial. The Award Ceremony will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. for the top three runners and Rucker’s for men and women.

This race will benefit Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization, dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifetime support to our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. They operate their programs and services through a “needs-based” approach. Staff and volunteers work one-on-one with our service members, veterans, and military families–providing ongoing support for as long as legitimate needs require.

At each race, in addition to giving all the runners finisher items - a challenge coin and patch - we will honor the top finishers with a special prize goodie bag that contains items we have put together from our vendors and sponsors. The two award categories include the 5K Run and 5K Ruck where we recognize the top 3 finishers, male and female.