Jacksonville — The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP®) will host its Carry Forward® 5k on Saturday, January 22, at 8 a.m. at its Jacksonville headquarters on Belfort Road.
Presented by USAA, the national, annual event is expecting more than 2,000 runners and walkers to gather to raise funds and awareness in support of wounded warriors.
To say the least, the 3.1 mile race/walk has a unique way of demonstrating the burdens that veterans face as they protect American democracy.
True to the title of Carry Forward, participants will carry objects in three categories Flags, Fitness and Fierce.
Flags will be carried to signify patriotism. Fitness weights will be carried to symbolize the responsibilities veterans bear. And hoisting a person will demonstrate the loyalty of veterans carrying other patriots in their time of need.
Brea Kratdert-Todd, WWP® Vice President of Business Development, says that the event was designed to solicit community support of volunteers, sponsors and family members of wounded warriors.
“We have a tremendous amount of warriors, family members and warriors connecting with each other,” she said. “Community support and how it impacts the warriors and their families is important. One year, a Jacksonville warrior made a commitment to walk again and Carry Forward fell on his birthday and he walked across the finish line. These stories let us know that we are really making an impact.”
She describes the final category Fierce as one that requires training and commitment. Over 25 participants have signed up to shoulder a person.
MISSION MILERS
The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP) Carry Forward® 5K is introducing the Mission Milers program for those who forever commit to honoring and empowering America’s heroes. Those who participate in multiple Carry Forward 5k races will earn swag bags and rewards as recognition of their commitment to serving those who served us. Three year participants will earn an official Carry Forward running belt.
Schedule:
On-site registration and packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. Opening Ceremony at 8:00 a.m. Race begins immediately following the opening ceremony.
Parking is free in the Butler Plaza parking lots.
Health and Safety Precautions:
In an effort to ensure the health and safety of all participants, the following safety precautions will be implemented:
Social distancing.
Mask is recommended but not required.
Hand sanitizing stations will be provided.
Running times will be staggered based on pace.
Runners are requested to spread out at the starting line.
Walkers are asked to let runners lead.
Strollers are requested to stay in the back.
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