Event Description
Support local Veterans by participating in the Armed Forces Day 5K! This is an event aiming to bring military service members, veterans and community supporters together to raise money for two local Veterans programs that work hard to make a difference in their lives. This years event will raise funds for the American Legions 'Gifts for Yanks' program, as well as the local Toledo chapter for Team Red, White and Blue. The event will take place between Post 468 in Sylvania and Olanders' Fossil and Sylvan Prairie Parks.
Exciting updates for 2019's race include:
- "Kids Fun Run" will take place in Fossil Park on a 0.33 mile course. The Fun Run will begin at 0815 on 5-19-2019 and the little ones will be cheered on by the event staff as they cross the finish line! Children t-shirt sizes will be available.
- $2 of your registration fee back for every runner who registers through your registration link
About our charities:
In 1952, the Ohio Department of the American Legion began the Gifts for Yanks program collecting $8,000, which was used to purchase cigarettes for veterans in Ohio Veterans Hospitals. By 1994, the program has grown to support volunteer services in all of the Ohio VA Medical Centers, Outpatient Clinics, Ohio Veterans Homes, and veterans residing in state mental health facilities. Team RWB’s mission is to enrich the lives of America’s veterans by connecting them to their community through physical and social activity. The Toledo chapter of Team RWB prides itself in offering Veterans and their supporters diverse opportunities throughout the year to socialize and engage in engaging physical activities. Since its charter, the Toledo chapter of Team RWB has continued to grow its offerings of activities with their steady rise in membership.
Registration info and custom medals:
Online registration opens on November 1, 2018. The first early-bird pricing ends on December 31st and the t-shirt guarantee deadline is May 9th. For registrants after this date, shirts will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Finisher medals will be given to the first 150 registrants due to limited supplies. Offline race registration will take place at the American Legion Post in Sylvania, OH (5580 Centennial Rd.) beginning December 1st. Registration fees are non-refundable. For questions, please contact the Sylvania American Legion at (419) 882-9080 or cafferjh@umich.edu.
Virtual runners:
Don’t want to run or walk or can't make it to Sylvania but still want to run alongside us on May 19th? Sign up to be a “Virtual Runner” to show your support for our local Veterans and receive a t-shirt (guaranteed till May 9th)!
Packet pick-up information:
Advanced packet pick-up will begin May 17th from 4pm-8pm at the American Legion (5580 Centennial Rd.). The American Legion will also be open from 4pm-8pm on May 18th as well. Same day registration will begin at 7:30am on May 19th and the 5K event will begin at 9:00am.
