Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING 2026 — Rockford, IL

Date
November 7, 2026
Location
Rockford, IL
Venue
3301 N. Mulford Rd.
Start Time
7:00 AM
Sunrise
6:35 AM
Entry Fee
$0.00 – $35.00
Events
Veterans 5K Run & Walk, Veterans 5k Ruck, Kids 5K (Children 17 and under), Kids Fun Run - Free for kids 10 & under, Volunteer
Includes
T-shirt | T-Shirt
Register NowRegistration Open

The Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by Eldridge Roofing takes place November 7, 2026, in Rockford, Illinois, at 3301 N. Mulford Rd., with a 7:00 AM start. The event offers two distance options: a 400-yard course and a 5K, accommodating both shorter and standard race distances. Entry fees range from free to $35, making it accessible across various budgets. Whether you're training for endurance or looking for a shorter local race, this event welcomes runners and walkers alike. Confirm exact course details, parking, and any race-day logistics with the organizers ahead of your arrival in Rockford.

From the Race 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 (IL26022NM) 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, 11/6/26 at midnight No inline skates or dogs please! Shirts are guaranteed only if registered by 9/25/26 . SHIRTS WILL NOT BE A GUARANTEE AFTER. We will have hoodies available for purchase at packet pick up and race day! 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

Course & Travel Notes

At 879 feet of elevation, the Veterans 5K Run & Walk presents minimal altitude considerations for pacing. The race starts at 7:00 AM, just 23 minutes after sunrise at 6:37 AM, so plan for a predawn arrival and bring a headlamp or reflective gear. Early November in Rockford typically brings highs near 47°F and lows around 30°F with about a 29% chance of measurable rain, so dress in layers and consider weather-appropriate outerwear. Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) is conveniently located just 9.4 miles from the venue.

⛰️ 879 ft elevation☀️ Typically 47°F / 30°F · 29% chance of rain✈️ Chicago Rockford International Airport (RFD) — 9.4 mi

Hotels Near This Race

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Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING 2026 — Rockford, IL

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Race Travel Insurance

Don't forget travel insurance for November 7.

You've trained for months and booked a trip to Rockford, IL. 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
  • Emergency medical up to $250,000
  • Cancel For Any Reason add-on available
  • 24/7 real-time support
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Frequently Asked Questions

When is Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING 2026 — Rockford, IL?

Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING 2026 — Rockford, IL takes place on November 7, 2026. The race is held in Rockford, Illinois.

Where is Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING 2026 — Rockford, IL held?

Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING 2026 — Rockford, IL is held at 3301 N. Mulford Rd. in Rockford, Illinois.

Where can I find hotels near Veterans 5K Run & Walk presented by ELDRIDGE ROOFING 2026 — Rockford, IL?

RaceHotelFinder shows hotels sorted by distance from the race venue in Rockford. Use the map or list view on this page to compare options and book race weekend accommodation.