How many miles are the races?
The half marathon is 13.1 miles, the 5K is 3.1 miles, and the Kids race is 0.5 miles. The half marathon Ruck is 13.1 miles and the 5k Ruck is 3.1 miles. 

Is this a Boston Marathon qualifier?
No, this is not a Boston Marathon qualifier.

What is your cancellation policy?
Salute the Troops is not able to offer refunds or deferrals.

What is your delayed start policy?
If race day conditions exist that could be potentially dangerous, the Salute the Troops protocol is as follows:

1. The half marathon and 5K race may be delayed up to one hour.
Runners and spectators will be notified of conditions via: 
-Radio broadcast on local radio stations
-Salute the Troops Facebook Page
-Live, on-site announcements
2. If conditions improve or are expected to improve after scheduled start time:
The half marathon will begin approximately one hour after race officials have been given an ALL CLEAR determination by the appropriate authorities.*
3. If conditions do not improve or are not expected to improve in order to start the half marathon by 9:45 a.m., the race will be canceled completely.**

Who does the event benefit?
Proceeds from the event will benefit veterans and their families in Fond du Lac and surrounding communities. Proceeds from the Ruck events will benefit NAMI, specifically for veteran suicide prevention.

How do I register?
Online registration is available through our website or print form and mail (post mark will determine any deadlines). You can also register in person at packet pick up or on the day of the race up until registration is closed. Please note the cut-off dates for discounted registration and t-shirt guarantee.

Are the events timed?
Yes, all participants will have a bib equipped with a timing chip.

Will the chip timed results be posted to the website?
Yes. The timed results from the half marathon and 5K run will be posted on the website within three hours after the race. The Ruck Marches are not timed.

Can I walk the half marathon? 
The Half Marathon must be completed within three hours of the start time.

Can I bring my dog or stroller?
Yes leashed dogs are allowed for the 5K events only. The leash must be no longer than 6 feet, and the dog must be under the control of a competent handler. For Lakeside Park, any form of digging by the dog is not permitted within 100 feet of the playground, petting zoo, or amusement park area. Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their dog. All runners with dogs or strollers will be asked to start at the back of the group. Jogging strollers can be used in the half marathon, but any type of stroller can be used in the 5K.

Are kids on bikes allowed? Inline skates? Skateboards?
The only “wheels” allowed on the race course other than racing chairs, hand cycles, and sport chairs, which are competing in the event, are strollers or wagons for transporting the younger members of the family. No bikes, no scooters, no inline skates, no skateboards, etc.

Do the Half Marathon and 5K participants start together?
No. The event will go off in three waves. The half marathon Ruck starts at 6:30am. (wave 1)  The half marathon run participants will be sent off at 7:00am. (Wave 2) At 7:30am the 5K run and ruck participants will start (wave three). The kids run starts at 9:30am.

Do I need to register my infant or toddler who will be in a stroller?
No. You do not need to pay for a young child who is being pushed or pulled in a wagon or stroller. The only reason you might consider registering them is if you would like them to receive a t-shirt as well. Only paid participants registered by the deadline will receive a t-shirt.

May I wear my MP3 player and/or headphones?
You may wear your music listening device; however, please keep the volume at a low enough level so that you may hear course officials and fellow participants. This is for your own safety and shows good running course etiquette.

Will there be any medical support or water stations on the course?
There will be medical support personnel at the start and finish line and along the course. If you need medical attention, find the nearest medical station, bearing in mind that you may have just passed it. If you are not able to make it to an aid station by yourself, notify a volunteer, a spectator or another runner to notify the nearest aid station of your location and condition. Aid Stations will have the ability to contact the race's medical staff to provide you with help. If your situation is life threatening, call 911 immediately.

On the half marathon, there are 8 water stations spread over the course near Mile 1, Mile 2, Mile 3.5, Mile 5.5, Mile 7.5, Mile 9.5, Mile 11 and Mile 12.  For the 5K, there will be 2 water stations. Bathrooms are available on Oven Island (Registration Area) by the baseball fields. Bathrooms are also available along the half marathon route at First Presbyterian Church and at the Park n Ride. Sport drinks and/or Goo will be available at some water stations.

Are there awards?
Yes. The awards ceremony will follow the Kids Race. The overall male and female winners in each event are not eligible for an age bracket award.

For the Half Marathon, each finisher will be awarded a finishers medal. Additionally, there will be an overall male and female veteran winner, overall male and female winner, and age bracket winners for both the Half Marathon and 5K. 

Kids Race finishers will receive age bracket awards.

When can I pick up my t-shirt and race bib?
Packet Pickup will be located at Attitude Sports 209 N Macy St, Fond du Lac on Friday, May 26th from 4-7 PM and Saturday morning at the event from 6 AM. Each race registration will close 15 minutes prior to the start of the race.

Can I have my packet mailed to me?
We are unable to mail race packets.

Where should I wear my timing chip?
Timing Chips are already attached to your Race Bib.

Can a family member or friend cross the finish line with me?
No. For the safety of all participants as well as for the spectators, we cannot permit any non-participants to enter any part of the race course or finish line chute. Runners who disregard this rule will be disqualified.

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What is the course like?

The 5K course is flat city streets and sidewalks.The ½ marathon course is flat city streets and sidewalks with some slight elevations along the Hwy 151 Recreational Trail. This is a great course for beginners and those working to improve their PR’s.

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