10K Ruck Challenge to return to Veterans Park

National Veterans Day in Birmingham is hosting its fourth 5K Family Fun Run/Walk and 10K Ruck Challenge in October.

The annual event raises money for veteran charities and raises awareness of the events going on in Birmingham during Veterans Day weekend. In addition to a 5K family fun run or walk, there is also a 10K ruck challenge. The 10K ruck challenge, or Veteran Challenge, is open to individuals or teams of four or more. 

Runners will wear rucks — weighted backpacks or vests — that are 40 pounds for men and 25 pounds for women. 

The teams competing in the 10K will decide which veteran charities will benefit from this year’s proceeds. 

The military unit with the best time will receive 40 percent of the proceeds for their charity; second place will receive 20 percent, and third place will receive 10 percent. The civilian unit with the fastest time will receive the remaining 30 percent for the veteran charity of their choice.

All money raised will be presented to the charities during the World Peace Luncheon on Veterans Day (Nov. 11) before the Birmingham Veterans Day parade.

In the 5K, the first three men, women and youth under 13 to complete the race will be recognized. First-place winners in the three categories will also receive two tickets to the World Peace Luncheon and the Veterans Day Parade.

The race is Oct. 22 at Veterans Park and starts at 8 a.m. The 5K fun run and 10K ruck is $20 per person, $25 after Oct. 15, and the 10K ruck for a group is $85, or $100 after Oct. 15.

For details on the event or to register, go to active.com and search 4th Annual 10K Ruck Challenge Hosted by National Veterans Day in Birmingham or go to nationalveteransday.org.