From the Organizer
5K Run & Walk:
A 5K Run/Walk to Benefit the Veterans Drop-In Center in Rockford, IL. This is our 14th annual run and will, again, be held at Rock Valley College. This run is USATF certified (NEED NUMBER) and is a 2026 RRR Circuit Race. See more information about the RRR Circuit at www.rockfordroadrunners.org
5k Ruck Division:
This is a 5k Ruck. This event starts at the same time as the 5k. It requires the participant to carry a rucksack (aka. backpack) for the entire 5k distance.
If you weigh > 150 lbs = your Ruck should weigh 20 lb.
If you weigh < 150 lbs = your Ruck should weigh 10 lb.
There are no age group awards for the 5k Ruck - only 1st overall male & Female.
Registration pricing:
$35 per participant, $15 for children 17 and under
Discount of $3 for RRR (does not include children 17 and under).
Online registration closes on Friday, 11-7-2025 at midnight
No inline skates or dogs please!
Shirts are guaranteed only if registered by NEED DATE. SHIRTS WILL NOT BE A GUARANTEE AFTER NEED DATE.
Our cool dog tag awards are given to the top male and female winners, along with the top 3 male and female winners in each of the following age categories:
0-8, 9-10, 11-12, 13-14, 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+
****Hierarchy of awards: One award given per person.
$100 - Overall male and female
$50 - Overall male and female veterans
$50 - Overall male and female masters (50+)
Veteran Branches - Male and Female
Age groups - 1st, 2nd, 3rd in each age group.
**Note - per IHSA rules, a high school athlete that is currently in or may be running sports may jeopardize their eligibility and/or scholarship opportunities by accepting the cash awards, and therefore, will not be allowed to accept the cash prizes. They are, however, still eligible to win the overall title and the dog tag medals.
Timing provided by Tri-3 Sports Timing.
See below for our unique "wall" shirt opportunity! And our awesome sponsors! Please patronize these veteran supporting businesses! Especially our main sponsor, Eldridge Roofing! http://www.eldridgeroofing.com
Events
Weather
Typical Conditions
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
52°
Typical Low
34°
Chance of Rain
30%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Rockford Gtr Rockford Ap, 9 mi from the venue.
Host City
About Rockford, IL
Population
147,649
as of 2023
City Elevation
760 ft
Nearest Airport
RFD
Chicago Rockford International Airport · 6 mi
Major Hub
ORD
Chicago O'Hare International Airport · 64 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
What Are You
Waiting For?
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
137
Days to train
- Race
- Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING
- Date
- November 7, 2026
Coming Up
More Running races near Rockford, IL
Lifescape 4th of July Classic Run/Walk
1 Mile · 2 Mile / 3K · 8K / 5 Mile · From $10 · N. Water Street in front of the Riverview Ice House
6 miles away
Rhythm of the Heart 5k Race & Walk
5K · From $40 · 100 Heart Blvd
2 miles away
RAMP River Run – 3K, 5K, & 1/2 Marathon Run
2 Mile / 3K · 5K · Half Marathon · From $20 · 202 Market Street
5 miles away
Warrior Crucible
5K · From $40 · 4401 Peak Dr
2 miles away
From Endurance Grid
About These Sports
This race spans more than one sport — here’s a guide to each, so you can understand what’s involved and decide if it’s the right fit. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer’s event page.
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.
Rucking
Covering a distance on foot under a weighted rucksack — from timed solo challenges to longer team events.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- What is the Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING?
- Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING is a running race held in Rockford, Illinois on November 7, 2026. It is one of the many endurance events listed on Endurance Grid, a multi-sport endurance event calendar covering running races, triathlons, HYROX, and more endurance sports across the United States. Find more running races near you or explore our sports guides to learn what race day actually feels like.
- When and where is the Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING?
- Saturday, November 7, 2026 in Rockford, Illinois at 3301 N. Mulford Rd.. Check the event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
- How do I register for the Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING?
- Registration is handled through the event's registration page. Confirm pricing and distances there, and sign up.
Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING
Nov 7, 2026