Because of the Brave 5K

Event Description

• Name: Because of the Brave 5K
• Date: Memorial Day, May 25, 2026
• Purpose: To honor the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
• Flag Requirement: Each runner/walker must carry a 2' x 3' American flag during the entire 5K course.

Course Description

• Location: The event will take place at American Village.
• Course Layout: The 5K course consists of a 1.55-mile loop, clearly marked with American flags.
• Accessibility: The entire course will be on paved surfaces, welcoming strollers and wheelchairs.
• Completion: Runners/walkers must complete the loop twice to finish the 5K distance.

Time and Location

• Date and Time: May 25, 2026, at 7:00 AM
• Address: 3727 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
• GPS Coordinates: (33.137730, -86.829740)
• Nearby: The Alabama National Cemetery is located next door.

Packet Pickup

• No Early Pickup: There will be no early packet pickup for this event.
• Race Day Pickup: Packet pickup will be at the start/finish line from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
• Pre-Run Briefing: A briefing will take place at 6:40 AM.
• Flag Distribution: Runners will receive a 2' x 3' American flag attached to a pole during pickup.

Swag

• Challenge Coin: All participants will receive a custom Because of the Brave 5K challenge coin at the finish line.
• Flag Exchange: Runners/walkers will exchange their carried American flag for the challenge coin.
• Commemorative Tradition: The challenge coin will serve as a reminder of the freedom we have "Because of the Brave!"
• No Awards: There are no awards for top finishers, as this is not a race.

Aid Station

• Water Station: There will be one water station at the start/finish line area.
• Hydration: Runners/walkers can hydrate at the halfway point and finish line.
• Fruit Available: Fruit will be provided at the finish line for all participants.
• Support: We aim to ensure participants are well-hydrated throughout the event.

Refunds

• No Refunds: No refunds will be given to any runner for this event.
• Transfer Option: If you find another runner to take your spot, you can transfer your entry.
• Deferral: You can defer your entry to next year’s event by emailing us.
• Support: We will assist with any entry transfer or deferral requests.

Contact Us

• Questions: Contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com
• American Village Info: Visit their website at American Village.
• Alabama National Cemetery Info: More details at Alabama National Cemetery.

Donations

• Entry Fee Contribution: A portion of your entry fee will be donated to both the American Village and the Alabama National Cemetery.
• Additional Donations: Participants can donate any amount to support either or both organizations.
• Impact: Any additional donations will go directly to the American Village and/or the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery.
• Honor our Heroes: Your support helps ensure their legacy is never forgotten.

More Information

For more information about the race, please visit Because of the Brave 5K Registration.