The Battle of the Badges 5K kicks off at 9:00 AM on September 11, 2026, in Hermitage, Pennsylvania—giving you a reasonable window to arrive the night before or early morning. The event offers a 1-mile distance option. Entry fees range from $40 to $50. This race is straightforward for endurance athletes looking for a shorter, competitive outing in the area. Plan your travel accordingly to account for local traffic and parking, and arrive with enough time to check in before the morning start.
From the Race Organizer
🏁 BATTLE OF THE BADGES 5K 🏁🚨OFFICIAL RACE DESCRIPTION🚨🏁 The Battle of the Badges 5K Regional Event is here. Due to the overwhelming support from the community and conversations with local partners and sponsors, we have expanded this into a full Battle of the Badges competition, bringing together 🚓 Police, 🚒 Fire, and 🚑 EMS departments for one unified regional event. For the first time, departments from across the region will go head-to-head in a team-based 5K competition to determine… 🏆 Which Department Will Take The Title? 🚓🚒🚑 TEAM COMPETITION Departments will compete in teams of 4–6 members, with the top 4 finishers counting toward the team score. 👉 The department with the lowest combined time will take the title. 🏆 Awards include: 🥇 Overall Champion Department ⚡ Fastest Team 🎉 Most Spirited Team ❤️ Community Choice Award 🏃 Fastest Individual (Male & Female) 👟 OPEN TO THE COMMUNITY This event is open to the public. Community members are encouraged to: 👟 Run or walk the 5K 🤝 Support and represent a local department 🔥 Be part of a powerful and unified event 🎖 Community medals available 💰 OUR MISSION We are working to raise: 👉 $30,000 during the month of May 2026, to support and honor Police, Fire, and EMS personnel through its mission of The Badge & Flame Project.🚓🚒🚑 📍 EVENT DETAILS 📅 May 16, 2026 📍 Mercer County, PA 📌 Venue: To Be Announced ⚠️ LIMITED REGISTRATION This is a regional event open to both first responder departments and community participants. Due to event structure and capacity, both department team entries and community registrations are limited and will be accepted on a first-come, first-confirmed basis. ⏳ Spots are expected to fill quickly. 🔥 FINAL CALL This is more than a race. This is competition. This is community. This is honoring those who serve. 💥 Who are you running for… and which department will take the title?
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Hermitage, PA. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for September 11.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Hermitage, PA.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
When is BATTLE OF THE BADGES – 5K 2026 — Hermitage, PA?
BATTLE OF THE BADGES – 5K 2026 — Hermitage, PA takes place on September 11, 2026. The race is held in Hermitage, Pennsylvania.
Where is BATTLE OF THE BADGES – 5K 2026 — Hermitage, PA held?
BATTLE OF THE BADGES – 5K 2026 — Hermitage, PA is held at Na in Hermitage, Pennsylvania.
Where can I find hotels near BATTLE OF THE BADGES – 5K 2026 — Hermitage, PA?
RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Hermitage. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.
