We are proud to partner with the Manchester Elks Lodge 1893 to bring the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund's
"The Wall That Heals"
to Manchester, CT on September 19-22, 2024
Patriots Park
172 Lake Street
Coventry, CT 06238
Opening Ceremony -- 9:45 a.m.
Race Start -- 10:00 a.m.
100% of proceeds benefit CT Veterans
A FUN WAY TO HONOR OUR VETERANS
The Connecticut Veterans Day Race is a fun and motivating event in our state to recognize and honor our brave men and women who have served. All veterans and their families know about sacrifice and patriotism; and this event is an opportunity to celebrate and support the veteran organizations who serve them.
Some ask what is a ruck march? It is a low-intensity exercise in which you add weight to your back while walking or hiking. To perform a rucking exercise, simply add weight to a backpack before walking or hiking. Rucking can help you burn calories and build strength—more so than ordinary walks or hikes.
For those CT Veterans Day Race participants who select the Ruck, we ask you to put non-perishable food items in your backpack (no specific weight limit) for the 3-mile ruck and at the finish, the food items will be donated to the veterans food pantry at the Veterans Base Camp "Vittles for Veterans" program.
100% of the proceeds support veterans in CT. We also accept donations of daily essential items for the "Backpacks for Life" program. These items will be sorted and packed by the Coventry H.S. National Honor Society and then distributed to homeless veterans in CT. There's a way for everyone to support our veterans and have fun showing your American pride and patriotism. You can be a participant, sponsor, donor or volunteer or just cheer on those who do.
WHAT OUR RACERS ARE SAYING
"I served in the U.S. Army for 5 years, 1984-1989, and I have always had a strong connection to the military (grandfather, father, brother, nephew, and in-laws). After I left the service, my bond to the military remained. I have always helped veterans in any way I can. We all gave so much in order to guarantee freedom for all.
Running this race is a great way to remind everybody that there are veterans out there that need help and support. I run because I care about those who served and gave the ultimate sacrifice.
Running 4 miles is the easy part -- the true race is every day watching out for veterans. The atmosphere of the race is outstanding. There is so much town support along the 4-mile course and there is nothing better than running under the giant American Flag that is waving off the fire truck hook and ladder.
Running this road race is the best way to thank all that served in the military."
Jim Walker, Army Veteran, multi-year race participant
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This was the best organized, managed race I have run in a long time. The course, while not what i would consider flat (my watch recorded 17 flights of stairs climbed), was a fast, fairly easy run. I can't explain why that is but it was scenic and there were people around every corner cheering you on. Put this on your calendar for next year now!
Robyn Beausoleil - Mansfield, Connecticut
