This is a living memorial race, not just a finish-line event. Every participant carries the name of a fallen service member across the finish line. Our mission is to Honor our nation's fallen heroes, Heal the unseen wounds of war for surviving families and veterans, and Connect the military and civilian communities through shared remembrance.

100% of your registration fee is a direct donation to Memories of Honor. Our corporate sponsors cover all race overhead, so every dollar you pay funds programs including:

• Boots of Honor Memorial— a Franklin, TN-based annual memorial of 7,470+ individual combat boots, each representing a service member lost since 9/11.

• Music Remembers Project — pairs Gold Star families with professional songwriters and gifts families a custom Gibson or Epiphone guitar laser-engraved with their hero's image, name, and rank.

• Project EPIC Forward — leads Gold Star families and veterans through endurance challenges to build community and support healing.

• Memorial Bib featuring the name of a fallen service member

• Event T-Shirt (must register by April 24th to guarantee your size)

• Finisher's Medal awarded at the finish line

• America 250 GORUCK Patch (GORUCK division only)

• Entry to the Memorial Mile

• Entry to the After-Party, including food and live music

GORUCK is a rucking division — rucking simply means walking or moving with a weighted backpack (a ruck). It is non-competitive and open to anyone who wants to participate with a pack. It is a great option for military and veteran participants, fitness enthusiasts, or anyone who wants a different kind of challenge.

Yes. All 5K finishers get a medal. If you got in before the t-shirt cut off, you are guaranteed a shirt. All others are first-come, first-served on sizes. 

Yes, it's about at the half-way point. 

Yes. We have a restroom trailer, generously provided by Luxurious Restrooms, located near the start/finish line and the after-party. 

No. This year, our start/finish area is just around the corner from the parking area. We encourage you to leave valuables at home and everything else in your car. 

Yes. 

No. 

Yes. 

No. 

Yes. 

Yes. Dogs must remain on a leash, and owners are required to pick up after their pets. Please do not allow your pet to relieve themselves in residential yards.

Please visit our "Maps" page. 

Please see our "Maps" page. 

Instead of just a race number, your bib features the name of a fallen service member. You are running to honor their memory and carry their legacy across the finish line. It is what makes this race unlike any other.

• Run/Walk 5K — competitive and non-competitive, 9:00 AM start.

• GORUCK — a non-competitive rucking division, 9:00 AM start. See the GORUCK section below for details.

• Memorial Mile — a one-mile walk immediately following the 5K awards. Included with 5K registration or available as a standalone registration.

Absolutely. The 5K is open to runners and walkers of all paces. 

No. This event sells out. There is no race day or on-site registration. Register in advance at honorthefallen5k.com.

Since this is a fundraiser, we do not offer refunds. However, registration transfers are allowed. If you are unable to attend, you may transfer your registration to another participant. Contact us through the registration platform to arrange a transfer.

Yes, through an official transfer. Please do not hand off your bib informally. Contact us to process the transfer so the correct name is associated with the Memorial Bib and the finish line record. We cannot mail bibs and shirts that are not picked up. 

No. We do not ship packets or race gear under any circumstances.

You have two options:

1. Early Pickup (Friday, May 1st): 4:30–6:30 PM at The Grove Club main entrance — look for the tent. This is the best way to skip morning lines.
2. Pick up race morning. 

 Yes. A friend or family member can pick up your packet. They just need to know the name you registered under.

You must register by April 24, 2026, to guarantee your requested shirt size. Late registrants will receive whatever sizes remain.

No. There is no bag check on site. We recommend leaving valuables in your car, which is conveniently close to the staging area.

Full schedule for Saturday, May 2nd:

• 7:30 AM — Packet Pickup and Registration opens

• 8:50 AM — Announcements

• 8:55 AM — National Anthem 

• 9:00 AM — 5K and GORUCK start (wheeled athletes start first)

• 10:20 (ish) AM — Awards Ceremony and Surviving Family Recognition Post-Awards — Ceremony, Memorial Mile, and After-Party with live music

(NEW THIS YEAR) The event remains at The Grove in College Grove, TN, but the staging area has moved due to construction. Everything — Packet Pickup, Start/Finish line, Restrooms, and the After-Party — is now in one unified central area right next to the main parking lot.

Use the South Gate off Eudailey-Covington Rd. GPS: 6463 Eudailey-Covington Rd, College Grove, TN. The new staging area is significantly closer to the parking than in previous years. Event maps are available at honorthefallen5k.com/eventmaps.

The 5K runs on one of the most scenic courses in Middle Tennessee — 100% paved on a mix of street and golf course paths. There is one water station located approximately midway through the course. Updated course maps are available at honorthefallen5k.com/eventmaps.

Restrooms are located at the staging area. There are no additional restroom facilities on the course itself, so plan accordingly before the 9:00 AM start.

There is no strict time cutoff. All participants are welcome to complete the course at their own pace.

This event is rain or shine. We do not cancel for weather. Dress and plan accordingly. In the event of severe weather that poses a safety risk, we will communicate any updates via our race page and email list.

 Yes. The course is 100% paved and stroller-friendly.

Yes. To keep everyone safe, participants with dogs or strollers should line up at the back of the starting pack so competitive runners can clear first.

 Any sturdy backpack will work. There is no required ruck brand.

No. There is no mandatory weight requirement for this event's GORUCK division. Load your pack to a level that is challenging and appropriate for your fitness level. A common starting point for new ruckers is 15–30 lbs, but participate at whatever weight works for you.

Yes. GORUCK participants start at 9:00 AM alongside the 5K field and follow the same 5K course.

No, this division is about why you are carrying weight, and it's about community, not competition.

Immediately following the 5K awards, we hold a one-mile walk — a reflective, community experience where participants walk alongside surviving Gold Star families. It is included with every 5K registration and can also be registered for as a standalone event.

The After-Party is right at the finish line — no need to relocate. Food and live music are included. We will have a shade tent set up, but seating is limited. We strongly encourage everyone to bring a lawn chair so you can relax and enjoy the celebration in comfort.

• Overall Male and Female: $200 gift pack from Bass Pro Shops, including Yeti products

• Age Group 1st and 2nd Place (Male and Female): Fleet Feet gift cards

• After-Party Drawing: Additional prizes awarded during the celebration

Age groups: Under 18, 18–29, 30–39, 40–49, 50–64, 65 and over.

No. Awards are presented on-site at approximately 10:15 AM. You must be present to collect your prize(s). 

Yes. Donations to Memories of Honor can be made directly at honorthefallen5k.com/donate.

Many employers match charitable donations. When making your donation, select your company's name to potentially double your impact.