
The Rough Rider Memorial 5K is a running and rucking race on September 19, 2026 in Calhoun, GA, with entry fees from $25 to $30.
JOIN US for the 7th. Annual Running of the Rough Rider Memorial 5K (and/or "Tot Trot") - Saturday, September 19th 2026, at the Black and Yellow Park (Calhoun City Recreation Park) located at 10 McDaniel Station Rd, Calhoun, GA 30701. This run is in honor of the 14 Rough Riders killed in action in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Proceeds generated from the race allow the local Calhoun, GA VFW Post 5376 to maintain and improve the Rough Rider Memorial Wall located at the 1-108th Headquarters in Calhoun, GA. Additionally, VFW Post 5376 also utilizes funds for Soldier, Veteran, and family functions at the post! This run is in honor of the 14 fallen soldiers from this unit!
NEW THIS YEAR......The 5K "Ruck"!!! Pay tribute to the fallen by participating in the Ruck Category. It will have it's own winners and it's own awards (as it should... it's hard!!!) Ruck weight requirements are 20 lbs for athletes that weigh under 150 lbs and 30 lbs for athletes that weigh over 150 lbs.
Registration: $30 5K Pre-Race Registration Fee (Runs until 11:00 PM, Sunday evening, September 13th.) You must register by this date to guarantee your T-shirt size and lock in at the reduced rate!) $40 Race Day Registration Rate.
Packet Pick-up: Will be held on-site Saturday morning beginning at 6:45 AM!
Race Route:
The route itself utilizes the paths in and around the Calhoun City Recreation Department’s Black and Yellow park! It’s a VERY fast, very scenic, and (mostly) flat route in and around the park that we know you will enjoy! AND…we are proud to report that it is now a USATF Certified Race Course! Please scroll down to see a route map!
5K & 5K Ruck Start-Finish & Race Day Parking:
Both the Start & Finish Lines are located in Calhoun City Recreation Department (Park), 10 McDaniel Station Rd., Calhoun GA, 30701
Race Day Parking: There is plenty of race day parking in the park adjacent to the ball fields and the start/finish line.
Race Day Schedule of Events:
*6:45 AM Race Day Registration Opens
*7:45 AM Race Day Registration Closes
*8:00 AM 5K & 5K Ruck Start Time
*9:15 AM Awards Presentation
5K & 5K Ruck Awards:
Awards will be given to the following separately for the 5K and the 5K Ruck as follows:
*Top 3 Overall Male and Top 3 Overall Female Winners
*Top Masters Male and Top Masters Female Winners
*Top 3 Male & Female in the following Age Categories: 10-Under, 11-14, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over
Please note, this is a rain or shine event.
Live forecast from the U.S. National Weather Service.
Race day
Saturday, 9/19
High
95°
Low
70°
Conditions
Sunny
Chance of Rain
11%
Wind
0 to 5 mph
Population
17,611
as of 2023
City Elevation
717 ft
Nearest Airport
CHA
Chattanooga Metropolitan Airport (Lovell Field) · 40 mi
Major Hub
ATL
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport · 66 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Rough Rider Memorial 5K, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
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Covering a distance on foot under a weighted rucksack — from timed solo challenges to longer team events.
The Rough Rider Memorial 5K
Sep 19, 2026