Veterans Day runs set to be held at Veterans Park

Veterans Day festivities will start early with a 5K Family Fun Run/Walk and 10K Ruck Challenge Sunday, Oct. 27 at Veterans Park. The runs, which will benefit veteran charities, start at 1 p.m.

The 10K Ruck challenge requires runners to wear a weighted vest or pack for the duration of the run. Packs worn must weigh 45 pounds for men and 25 pounds for women. It is recommended that runners put together teams. Times will be figured as the average of the team members.

There will be several military units competing in the 10K Ruck Challenge, and the winning teams will determine which charities will be proceed recipients. The first place team's charity will receive 50 percent of the total, while second place receives 30 percent and third receives 20 percent.

First place winners in their age category will receive two tickets to, and be recognized at, the World Peace Luncheon held on Monday, Nov. 11 at the East Ballroom of the Birmingham Jefferson Convention Complex.

Sponsors to date include: Combat Fitness Training Facility, Crossfit Riverchase, The Egg and I, Knights of Colombus Council 10354, and The Trak Shak Running Shops.

National Veterans Day in Birmingham is a non-profit 501(c)(4) corporation founded in 1945 and recognized nationally as the oldest and largest Veteran's Day celebration in the nation. Each year, National Veterans Day in Birmingham salutes those men and women who have served their country as members of the armed services and those today who proudly wear the uniform of the active, reserve, and national guard forces.

The cost of the 10K Ruck Challenge is $50 the morning of the race or $30-$45 for pre-registration based on individual or team sizes.

The cost of the 5K is $30 the morning of the race or $25 for pre- registration. Registration is now open at active.com. To register as a military unit, contact Michele Pellock at mpellock@mindspring.com.