Boots on the Ground for Heroes 5K
- Date
- May 23, 2026
- Location
- 80 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI
- Distance
- 5K
From the Organizer
The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial 5K Walk/Run will take place following a ceremony honoring the 29 Rhode Islander’s killed post 9/11 in the Global War on Terror. The course will run through picturesque Fort Adams State Park and begin and end on the parade field inside the historic Fort. Proceeds from the 5k will support the Memorial and Operation Stand Down Rhode Island, the State’s primary non-profit serving homeless and at-risk veterans.
Registered participants are asked to arrive beginning at 7:30am. A 25-minute ceremony honoring the fallen will begin at 9:00am, followed by the start of the Run/Walk at 10:00 am.
The Boots on the Ground for Heroes Memorial was launched by OSDRI in 2016. The Memorial depicts over 7,000 boots adorned with flags and name placards representing the lives of the U.S. service members killed in action post-9/11 in the Global War on Terror. The exhibition has been seen by tens of thousands of visitors since its creation. Every fallen service member is included in the Memorial; service members are alphabetized by state, allowing individuals to locate friends, comrades, and loved ones. Tragically, the Memorial continues to grow each year as the Global War on Terror continues.
Every participant will receive 2026 Boots on the Ground for Heroes t-shirt signed up before May8th,2026.
Distances & Pricing
Race Location
About This Sport
From Endurance Grid's Founder
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
Running
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Boots on the Ground for Heroes 5K?
- Boots on the Ground for Heroes 5K is a running event held in Newport, RI. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
- When and where is the Boots on the Ground for Heroes 5K?
- Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Newport, RI at 80 Fort Adams Drive, Newport, RI. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Boots on the Ground for Heroes 5K?
- Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.
Boots on the Ground for Heroes 5K
May 23, 2026