Thursday, May 22, 2025 at 6:30pm
This race is not really designed for individual achievement; more the events are about teamwork and honouring the dead servicepeople who gave, willingly and unwillingly, to our country. However, we are not looking to squash competition entirely.
The 5k is a straight-forward, follow-the-markers kind of course with only one exception: whoever is in the lead of the pack carries the American flag. If there is a lead change, then the new leader carries the flag. To put this another way, the flag crosses the finish line first. There will be one for the male participants and one for the female participants. The standard bearer need not be the fastest and can be anyone - barely out of the cradle, one step from death's door, handicapped, civilian, vet, jock, couch potato...anyone.
The longer-k is not so straight-forward. First, the distance will be whatever we feel like making that day, but it'll be longer than a 5k and probably shorter than a 10k, maybe. This is the distance to give a little of yourself, especially to remember those vets who have committed suicide. Roughly every 1.5k - 2k, at an appropriate stopping point, you will be asked to do some sort of exercise: 22 pushups, 22 jumping jacks, run some tires like you see in football training camp videos, carry heavy stuff awkwardly, etc. As with the 5k, the leader is the standard bearer, even if there is a lead change, so the flag crosses the finish line first. This will be a little trickier since exercises are involved and teamwork can be especially helpful; DO NOT LET THE FLAG TOUCH THE GROUND. Hand it off to someone, roll up the flag on the staff and rest it across your shoulders (for pushups), do whatever you need to do to keep the flag off the ground. If someone needs help with the exercises, don't hesitate to assist. As is a common mantra, we will leave no one behind; there is no cutoff and we will remain until the last person crosses the finish.
The standard bearers (M/F for both distances) will be immortalized in a manner similar to Lord Stanley's Cup by having their name and date tacked on to the staff. The fastest people will get their due as well, beer or soda, as the age and tastes dictate.
If you are not able to run the course but would like one of these wicked cool shirts choose the virtual option and I'll use the race registration to cover the mailing costs and you'll still get the personalized dog tag. At least $5 of every purchase goes to BSSD and BVF; the percentage goes up with each additional purchase. Buy many of them and be the envy of those who missed out.
