Pound the Ground 5K for Veterans Outreach Center

Pound the Ground 5K Run/Walk for Veterans Outreach Center

Event Location

Mendon Ponds Park (95 Douglas Rd, Honeoye Falls, NY) | Stewart Lodge

Date and Time

Thursday, August 20, 2026.

Registration Starts at 5pm. Race Starts at 6:30 PM

Virtual PTG 5K

August 20th - 23rd, 2026 (please see instructions below on how to submit your time)

Event Overview

Veterans Outreach Center is excited to be able to host the Pound the Ground 5K Run/Walk in-person and virtually this year! Lace up your running shoes and get ready to run, walk, or stroll for veterans! Every step you take supports the men, women, and families served by Veterans Outreach Center of Rochester.

Registration Fees

• Early Bird Registration: $25 starts April 1st until June 30th
• Regular Registration: $35 from July 1st until Thursday, August 20th
• Active Military and Veterans Registration: $20
• Virtual 5K Registration: $35

Packet Pickup

• Location: TBD at Fleet Feet @ The Armory - 155 Culver Rd, Rochester, NY 14620 - Once announced, if you can go to this packet pickup please do, to alleviate race day lines.
• Race Day Packet Pickup: On the day of the race starting at 5 PM in the Stewart Lodge. On-site registration available via Smartphone & credit card only. Race Day Registration closes at 6:00 PM.

How the PTG 5K Event Works

• T-shirt: Participants who register by August 8th will receive a free cotton t-shirt (after this date, it will be first come/first serve)
• Chip Timing: Event bib & chip timing
• Results: Results provided online after the event
• Swag Bag: Swag Bag for registrants
• Post-race Amenities: Post-race snacks & water

How the PTG Virtual 5K Event Works

• T-shirt Guarantee: Participants who register by August 8th are guaranteed a free cotton t-shirt
• Submission: Virtual results can be submitted between 6:30 PM, August 20th, and 11:59 PM, August 23rd
• Result Submission Link: After completing your run/walk, submit your time here, and we'll make arrangements for you to pick up your swag bag containing fun goodies
• T-shirt Retrieval: If you are participating virtually, please contact Jarie Doberstein for your T-shirt/swag bag pick up. Jarie can be contacted at Jarie.Doberstein@vocroc.org or by calling 585.295.7810

Participation for Active Military & Veterans

Active Military & Veterans--You can join a team during registration for bragging rights of the best Branch in Rochester! The coveted Golden Boot is up for grabs again this year! Active duty military, active reservists, and veterans can sign up to run with members from their branch. The quickest team gets their branch name on the boot! Will anyone stop the Army from winning again this year?

Corporate Participation

If you are a company looking to join the Corporate Road Warrior category with multiple sign-ups? Contact Jarie Doberstein directly. We can work with you to get this accomplished.

Contact Information

To learn more about Pound the Ground, please contact Alyssa Ballou via Alyssa.Ballou@vocroc.org or at 585.295.7810.

Race URL

For more information, visit Pound the Ground 5K page.