Fort Custer "Defender" 5K

Event Overview

The 177th Regional Training Institute (RTI) MIARNG is excited to announce its fourth annual Fort Custer ‘Defender’ 5K. The event will be held on Saturday, the 2nd of May 2026 and is open to the public (race form registration needed for access). Come out and join the 5k run/walk on our route here at beautiful Fort Custer Training Center, located in Augusta, MI. This is a family friendly event, and all abilities are welcome to participate. The Fort Custer Museum will be open until noon along with a military vehicle display.

Participants

• Maximum Participants: Limited to 250

Price

• Entry Fee: 5k run/walk is a $35 entry fee.

Route

• Course Details: The course is a flat, paved route that travels around the main part of Fort Custer and into a short section of the training area.
• Water Stations: A water station is available at the crossroads of 26th and Armstrong allowing access to water just prior to 1 mile and just after 2 miles on the course.
• Road Information: Please note that the course is all on 2 lane roads which are still open for vehicle travel.
• Stroller Policy: Strollers are allowed but please no pets.

Swag

• Finishers Medal: All participants will receive a finishers medal (new design from past races).
• New Items: New this year is running socks.
• Registration Deadline: Socks are not guaranteed for those registered after 15 April 2024.

Sponsors

• Thank You: Thank you to our sponsors:
• NGAM: National Guard Association of Michigan.

Packet Pickup

• Pickup Method: Day of race packet pickup only.
• Location: Packet pickup & registration will be along Custers First Stand located on the Northeast corner of the parking area.
• Gates Open: Gates open at 0700 for entry and packet pickup.
• Restroom Access: Restrooms are available inside the All-Ranks Club and inside the Fort Custer Education Center (FCEC).

Schedule

• Run/Walk Start: Run/walk will begin at 0900.
• Award Ceremony: Will be held at 1015.

Results

• Results Availability: Results will be live during the race and posted on this website.
• Timing: The race will be professionally timed by Epic Timing.

Awards

• Categories: Winners will be awarded for the following gender M/F and age groups:
• Age Groups: 13 and under, 14-18, 19-25, 26-35, 36-45, 46-55, 56+.
• Award Ceremony Location: Following the race in the military vehicle display area on the Southeast corner of the parking area at 1015.

Parking

• Directions: Once cleared of the gate proceed straight through the first stop sign (Armstrong Road) then turn left at the second stop sign (Harmonia Road).
• Parking Location: Proceed to the FCEC parking lot on the right.
• Road Blockage: Wayne road will be blocked as will the entrance to the parking lot from Wayne Road.
• Registration/Check-in: Will be along Custers First Stand in the Northeast corner.

Proceeds

Proceeds go to the 177th Regiment RTI MWR and Ft Custer All Ranks Club which provides support and services to Soldiers of Fort Custer.

Location Note

A note about the location: The gated entrance utilized to gain access to Ft Custer Training Center is located at crossroads of Denso Road and Clark Road, Augusta MI. Allow time for entry to the installation. This event is located on an active military installation, all vehicles are subject to search upon entry. Personally owned weapons are not authorized. Marijuana is not allowed on military installations. Violators will be barred from entry.

More Information

For more details, visit the official race page: Fort Custer Defender 5K.