OPERATION TROOPER 5K RUN AND WALK

🎉 Event Overview

• Event Name: OPERATION TROOPER 5K RUN AND WALK
• Date: October 11, 2025
• Location: 1010 N 5th St, Herrin, IL
• More Info: Visit Race Page

🌟 Support for a Worthy Cause

• Pawsitive Event: JOIN US IN SUPPORT OF DOWN THE LEASH SERVICE DOGS WITH OUR INAUGURAL 5K FUN RUN AND WALK.
• Veteran Support: DOWN THE LEASH SERVICE DOGS IS A 501(C)3 VETERAN RAN NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT PROVIDES A SAFE SPACE ENVIRONMENT FOR OUR NATIONS HEROS.
• Skills Training: TEACHING THEM BASIC AND ADVANCED DOG HANDLING SKILLS FOR THEIR OWN SERVICE DOGS.
• Rain Date: Rain date is Saturday, October 18, 2025.

🏃 Race Day Details

• Check-in: RUNNER CHECK-IN AND PACKET PICK UP WILL BEGIN AT 9 AM.
• Ceremony: THE EVENT WILL BEGIN AT 10:30 AM WITH AN OPENING CEREMONY FEATURING A SHORT PRESENTATION.
• Race Start: THE 5K RUN AND WALK WILL BEGIN AFTER, WITH AWARDS IMMEDIATELY TO FOLLOW.
• Activities: LIVE BAND AND OTHER FAMILY FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES TO FOLLOW THE RACE.

🤝 About Down the Leash

• Community Focus: DOWN THE LEASH SERVICE DOGS IS MORE THAN JUST SERVICE DOG TRAINING: IT IS A FAMILY FOR VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES.
• Support System: A PLACE WHERE VETERANS CAN FEEL AT HOME, SUPPORTED, AND WELCOMED WITH OPEN ARMS... NOT JUST FOR THE DURATION OF DOG TRAINING, BUT FOR LIFE.
• Funding Needs: FUNDS RAISED WILL BE USED TO HELP US TO CONTINUE TO IMPROVE THE LIVES OF OUR LOCAL VETERANS.
• Training Costs: THE COST TO TRAIN A SERVICE DOG CAN EXCEED $20,000 AND IS NOT COVERED UNDER VA BENEFITS.