Lakeside Park, Fond Du Lac WI
Saturday, May 23rd, 2026
🎖️ Event Overview
- Event Name: 14th Annual Salute the Troops Memorial Races
- Date: May 23, 2026
- Location: Lakeside Park, Fond Du Lac, WI
- Race URL: Sign Up Here
🏃♂️ Race Events
- Timed Events: 10K run, 5K run/walk, kids ‘fun run’ for children 12 and under
- Non-Timed Events: 10K Ruck March, 5K Ruck March
- Course Features: Wheelchair friendly, 3 award divisions for wheeled participants
- Purpose: Raise money for Salute the Troops of Wisconsin and NAMI
🏅 Memorial 5K Run/Walk
- In Memory: The event honors Derek Dobagi, a heroic soldier.
- Background: Derek served in the U.S. Army and made the ultimate sacrifice.
- Family Tribute: Since 2009, a Memorial 5K Race has been held in his honor.
- Community Impact: All events benefit local veterans and suicide prevention efforts.
🏕️ Ruck Information
- Honoring Veterans: Rucking serves to remember the fallen and deployed soldiers.
- Inspiration: Tributes to Brandon Michael, who struggled after returning from service.
- Mission: Advocate for change and acknowledge unsung heroes.
- Quote: "Heroes don’t wear capes, they wear dog tags."
📅 Important Details
- Registration: Online registration remains open until race day.
- Shirt Availability: Race shirts are not guaranteed after May 5, 2022.
- Memorial Boot Garden: Participants can submit a tribute for veterans.
- Details Submission: Email race@salutethetroopswi.org by Friday, May 27 at noon.
🕒 Tentative Race Day Schedule
- 5:30 AM: Onsite registration opens (ends 10 minutes before each race start)
- 6:30 AM: Brandon Michael Memorial 10K Ruck March START
- 6:45 AM: Opening Ceremony
- 7:00 AM: 10K START
- 7:30 AM: 5K run & 5K Ruck March START
- 10:00 AM: 10K COURSE CUTOFF
- 9:00 AM: KIDS RACE START
- 9:30 AM: AWARDS
- Course Closure: Course closes at noon
