Veterans and First Responders 5k

Formerly known as the Veterans and First Responders Memorial 5k/10k, the Memorial was renamed in 2022 to the ARIZONA HEROES MEMORIAL, and therefore we have updated the event name to match the Memorial for which this event supports.

Due to construction at Naranja Park, the event will take place at Steam Pump Ranch.

If you are a veteran (retired, active, reserve) or a first responder, please take advantage of the special rate JUST FOR YOU! 

This will be the 7th annual memorial run to raise funds for the Arizona Heroes Memorial at Naranja Park.  The memorial will be a place where people can go and reflect; they can honor their forefathers, grandfathers, grandmothers, aunts and uncles – whoever served. It will be an opportunity for education about veterans as well as first responders – they are equals in this memorial.

First 400 runners will receive an event shirt. Everyone will receive a custom race bib (sponsored by Fleet Feet) and a custom finisher's medal.

Race Day Schedule

0600 ~ Entrance to Steam Pump Ranch opens

0600-0645 ~ Packet Pickup at Steam Pump Ranch 

0700 ~ 10k Start 

0715 ~ 5k Start

0715 ~ Memorial Mile Start

Registration

THERE WILL BE NO PAPER REGISTRATION.  ALL PARTICIPANTS MUST REGISTER ONLINE BY 0645 ON RACE DAY. 

Awards

10k and 5k Awards will be given to the Top Three Male and Female overall winners, as well as gift certificates from Fleet Feet. 

Wood medallions will also be given to the Top Three Male and Female in each Age Group. Age groups are: <14; 15-19; 20-29; 30-39; 40-49; 50-59; 60-69; 70-79; 80>. 

Awards will be available for pick up at the Oro Valley Fleet Feet beginning at noon Monday, October 9. 

COVID-19 AND RACING

Due to the highly contagious COVID-19 virus, we ask that anyone exhibiting any signs or symptoms of COVID-19 please remain at home. This includes if any family member in your household is experiencing any signs or symptoms, or if you or a family member are awaiting results of a COVID-19 test. 

Race Course

Both the 10k and 5k will exit the side entrance of Steam Pump Ranch and head north on the Loop to their respective turnaround. 

10k Runners ~ you will exit the park and turn RIGHT toward the Oro Valley Market Place. Runners will follow the path out and UNDER Tangerine Rd to the turnaround. This is an out-and-back course.

5k Runners ~ you will exit the park and turn RIGHT for an out-and-back on the path to the turnaround point.

The memorial mile will walk a half a mile out on the path and then come back.

Aid Stations - Miles 2 and 4 (10k course only)

5k runners, please bring your own hydration, as there will not be an aid station on your course. 

Packet Pickup -  Two Options

Wednesday, October 4, from 3:00 pm to 6:00 pm at Fleet Feet on Tanque Verde (7301 E Tanque Verde Rd, Tucson, AZ 85715) 

Thursday, October 5, from 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. at Fleet Feet (7607 N. Oracle Rd, # 121, Oro Valley, AZ 85704). 

Race Day - ONLINE REGISTRATION ONLY. No paper entries.

RACE DAY REQUIREMENTS

ALL participants must have their bib number PINNED TO THE FRONT OF THEIR SHIRT, and must adhere to the following requirements:

You must be in good health and symptom free from any illness for at least 2 weeks prior to the event.Your bib number with timing chip must be pinned to the FRONT SIDE of your shirt and must not be obstructed or covered up in any way.Except for passing, participants should always remain on the far right-hand side of the pathway.  The pedestrian path is an OPEN COURSE. This means other users may be on the course, such as runners, walkers and cyclists. Please be aware of your surroundings. Police will manage all major traffic areas.  After You Finish

After completing your run and crossing the finish line, please continue moving towards the exit of the finish area.  You can pick up a breakfast burrito and water bottle after you finish. 

Results

All results will be streamed live on OYL's Results Page. During registration, you can also sign up for results text messaging. 

Awards Ceremony

We will hold the awards ceremony in the park at approximately 8:30 a.m.