The Rough Rider Memorial 5K

Event Overview

JOIN US for the 7th Annual Running of the Rough Rider Memorial 5K (and/or "Tot Trot") - Saturday, September 19th 2026, at the Black and Yellow Park (Calhoun City Recreation Park) located at 120 Recreation Drive, Calhoun, GA 30701. This run is in honor of the 14 Rough Riders killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Proceeds and Purpose

• Local Support: Proceeds generated from the race allow the local Calhoun, GA VFW Post 5376 to maintain and improve the Rough Rider Memorial Wall located at the 1-108th Headquarters in Calhoun, GA.
• Community Functions: Additionally, VFW Post 5376 also utilizes funds for Soldier, Veteran, and family functions at the post!
• Honor the Fallen: This run is in honor of the 14 fallen soldiers from this unit!

New Features

NEW THIS YEAR. The 5K "Ruck"!!! Pay tribute to the fallen by participating in the Ruck Category. It will have its own winners and its own awards (as it should... it's hard!!!) Ruck weight requirements are 20 lbs for athletes that weigh under 150 lbs and 30 lbs for athletes that weigh over 150 lbs.

Registration Details

• Pre-Race Fee: $30 5K Pre-Race Registration Fee (Runs until 11:00 PM, Sunday evening, September 13th.)
• Race Day Fee: $40 Race Day Registration Rate.
• T-Shirt Guarantee: You must register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size and lock in at the reduced rate!

Packet Pick-Up

Packet Pick-up will be held on-site Saturday morning beginning at 6:45 AM!

Race Route

The route itself utilizes the paths in and around the Calhoun City Recreation Department’s Black and Yellow park! It’s a VERY fast, very scenic, and (mostly) flat route in and around the park that we know you will enjoy! AND… we are proud to report that it is now a USATF Certified Race Course!

Start-Finish Location & Parking

• Start & Finish Lines: Both the Start & Finish Lines are located in Calhoun City Recreation Department (Park), 120 Recreation Drive, Calhoun, GA 30701.
• Parking: There is plenty of race day parking in the park adjacent to the ball fields and the start/finish line.

Race Day Schedule

• 6:45 AM: Race Day Registration Opens
• 7:45 AM: Race Day Registration Closes
• 8:00 AM: 5K & 5K Ruck Start Time
• 9:15 AM: Awards Presentation

Awards Information

Awards will be given to the following separately for the 5K and the 5K Ruck as follows:

• Top 3 Overall Male and Female: Winners for both categories.
• Top Masters: Male and Female Winners.
• Age Categories: Top 3 Male & Female in the following Age Categories: 10-Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over.

Join Us!

We do hope you will join us for this outstanding year 7 race in support of a tremendous cause!

Event Notice

Please note, this is a rain or shine event.

For more information, visit the official race page at The Rough Rider Memorial 5K.