Because of the Brave 5K

🇺🇸 Event Description

The name of this event says it all… Because of the Brave! We love this country and all of us enjoy the freedom of living in the United States of America. However, this freedom we enjoy came at a price. On this Memorial Day, come out and join us in an event that truly honors the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom. Because of the Brave 5K is truly about reflecting on this sacrifice that was made by so many of our heroes.

• Honor: This event honors brave men and women.
• American Flag: Runners/walkers must carry a 2’x 3’ American flag.
• Participation: Open to all, including children.
• Attitude: This is not about competition: it is about remembrance.

🏞️ Course Description

The 5K course will wind throughout the beautiful grounds at American Village. The course consists of a 1.55-mile loop and will be clearly marked with American flags. Runners/walkers must complete the loop twice to finish the course and complete the 5K distance. The entire course will be on paved surfaces, so strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

• Loop: 1.55-mile loop to be completed twice.
• Accessibility: Paved surfaces for strollers and wheelchairs.
• Markers: Clearly marked with American flags.
• Scenic: Beautiful grounds at American Village.

🗓️ Time and Location

Memorial Day: Monday May 25, 2026 @ 7:00 AM

Because of the Brave 5K will be held at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama.

• Address: 3727 Highway 119, Montevallo, AL 35115
• GPS Coordinates: (33.137730, -86.829740)
• Timing: Starts at 7:00 AM.
• Memorial Service: Plenty of time for the annual Memorial Day Service at 9:00 AM.

🎟️ Packet Pickup

There is no early packet pickup for this event. Race day packet pickup will be at the start/finish line which will be located near the main parking lots of American Village. There will be plenty of parking and access to restrooms. Packet pickup will be from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM. A pre-run briefing will take place at 6:40 AM. The 5K run/walk will begin at 7:00 AM sharp.

• Packet Pickup: 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
• Briefing: Pre-run briefing at 6:40 AM.
• Flag: Runners receive a 2’ x 3’ American flag at pickup.
• Custom Flag: Memorial flag for heroes will be on display.

🎖️ Swag

This event is organized by The Running Birds so the swag will be top notch. All runners/walkers will receive a custom Because of the Brave 5K challenge coin at the finish line. Runners/walkers will exchange the American flag they’ve carried during the 5K course for the challenge coin. Challenge coins are commonly exchanged within the military. Another way to honor the brave is to keep this tradition. This challenge coin will be something you can take away from this event as a reminder of the freedom we have “Because of the Brave!” There will be no awards given to the top finishers. Again, this is not a race but rather an event to honor those brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.

• Challenge Coin: Given at the finish for carrying the flag.
• Tradition: Honoring military traditions.
• No Awards: Focus on remembrance, not competition.
• Memorable: A reminder of freedom and bravery.

💧 Aid Station

We will provide one water station during the course at the start/finish line area. Runners/walkers will be able to hydrate at the halfway point and at the finish line. Fruit will also be provided at the finish line.

• Hydration: Water stations at start/finish line.
• Convenience: Hydrate at halfway point.
• Nutrition: Fresh fruit available at the finish line.
• Caring: Ensuring everyone stays hydrated.

💵 Refunds

We understand things happen in training and in life itself. However, no refunds will be given to any runner for this competition. In the event you can find another runner to take your spot, you can transfer your entry to them. You can also defer your entry to next year’s event. Just email us and we will make sure to get it taken care of.

• No Refunds: All sales are final.
• Transfer: Find someone to take your spot.
• Deferral: Option to defer to next year.
• Contact: Email us for support.

📞 Contact Us

If you have any questions about this event, contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com

• American Village: Visit their website for more info: https://www.americanvillage.org/
• Alabama National Cemetery: More information found here: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/alabama.asp

❤️ Donations

In addition to a portion of your entry fee that will be donated to the American Village and the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery, you can make a donation of any amount to either or both of them. Any additional donations will go straight to American Village and/or the Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery.