Elwood Community Days 5k Run & Walk 2026, In Memory Of Our Fallen Heroes

Event Details

Join us for the Elwood Community Days 5k Run & Walk on Friday, September 11 at 6:00 pm.

Registration Information

• Open Registration: Registration is now open until Thursday, September 10, 2026.
• Onsite Registration: Opens Friday, September 11, at 3:00 until 5:30 PM, located at the race location.
• Inclusion: Entry to the Main Community Days Event and 1 beer ticket will be included, over a $10.00 value.
• Race Start: The race event will start at the West Pavillon. Look for J3Timing set up and 5K parking arrows.

Awards and Timing

• Cut Off Time: There will be a 75 minute cut off time to finish the race.
• Awards Ceremony: Awards will be given out promptly at 8:00 PM at the Main Community Days Pavilion. Awards will be given to the top finishers by age and gender.
• Shirt Orders: Shirt order will be placed on 8/23/26, any registrations after that will not be guaranteed a shirt.
• Day of Registration Fee: Registration the day of the race will increase to $40.00 with no guarantee of a race shirt.

Event Policies

• Weather Policy: Rain or shine unless imminent danger. No refunds will be issued.
• Raffle Tickets: Raffle tickets will be sold at packet pick up and the day of the race for some amazing baskets. $20.00 for 21 chances to win!
• Ticket Sales: Tickets will be sold until 8:15 pm. Raffle baskets will be pulled at 8:30 PM.
• Basket Pickup: Baskets must be picked up at the Main Community Pavilion by 9:30 pm. Extra shirts may be purchased at the main pavilion.

Packet Pickup Information

• Packet Pickup Date: Thursday, September 10, from 11:00AM-5:30 PM at the Elwood Village Hall, located at 401 E Mississippi Ave, Elwood, IL, 60421.
• Day of Race Pickup: Onsite packet pickup the day of the race will be from 3:00 PM-5:30 PM.
• Unclaimed Packets: All packets not picked up will be donated to charities, unless otherwise arranged.
• Charity Host: Bradley Veerman Charity Fund is hosting the Elwood Community Days 5K Run & Walk.

Charity Information

Proceeds from this event will support the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund. The Bradley Veerman Charity Fund is a 501(C) 3, not-for-profit, whose goal is to raise money for EMS scholarships, donate to other not-for-profit organizations dedicated to those in public service, public safety, and first responders in need.

Commemoration

This year’s race is more than just a community tradition: it is a solemn observance. As our nation marks 25 years since the events of September 11, 2001, we gather to honor the "spirit of the first responder" that Bradley embodied every day of his life.

Honoring the Legacy: Brad's career was rooted in the same selflessness shown by the heroes of 9/11. Whether he was on the front lines as a firefighter/police officer or leading the way at the 911 Communications Center, his goal was always the same: to protect and serve.

In coordination with the 25th-anniversary national "9/11 Day of Service," the Elwood Community Days 5K serves as a local way to turn a day of tragedy into a day of positive action.

Your registration fee directly funds the next generation of responders. By providing EMS scholarships, we ensure that the promise to "Never Forget" is backed by the action of "Always Supporting" those who step up to serve today.

The 25th anniversary reminds us that the need for brave, well-trained first responders never fades. When you run or walk this year, you are not just honoring Bradley: you are honoring every man and woman who has answered the call over the last quarter-century.

"We don't just remember the heroes of the past: we invest in the heroes of the future."

We feel that even though Bradley has completed his task here on earth, his spirit to protect and help others lives on in all of us. Please help keep his spirit of service and giving to others alive.

Donations

If you are unable to join us but would like to donate to the Bradley Veerman Charity Fund you may do so at this link.

Race URL

For more information, visit the official race page: Elwood Community Days 5k Run & Walk.