Fort Custer "Defender" 5K

Event Overview

The 177th Regional Training Institute (RTI) MIARNG is excited to announce its fourth annual Fort Custer ‘Defender’ 5K. The event will be held on Saturday, the 2nd of May 2026 and is open to the public (race form registration needed for access). Come out and join the 5k run/walk on our route here at beautiful Fort Custer Training Center, located in Augusta, MI. This is a family friendly event, and all abilities are welcome to participate. The Fort Custer Museum will be open until noon along with a military vehicle display.

Participants

• Limit: Maximum number of participants will be limited to 250.

Price

• Entry Fee: 5k run/walk is a $35 entry fee.

Route

• Course: The course is a flat, paved route that travels around the main part of Fort Custer and into a short section of the training area.
• Water Station: A water station is available at the crossroads of 26th and Armstrong allowing access to water just prior to 1 mile and just after 2 miles on the course.
• Road Conditions: The course is all on 2 lane roads which are still open for vehicle travel.
• Strollers & Pets: Strollers are allowed but please no pets.

Swag

• Finisher Medal: All participants will receive a finishers medal (new design from past races).
• Running Socks: New this year is running socks. Socks are not guaranteed for those registered after 15 April 2024.

Sponsors

• NGAM: National Guard Association of Michigan.
• Uecker Consulting, LLC: Leadership in professional consulting services.
• Spartan Nash: A leader in grocery distribution and own brand products.

Packet Pickup

Day of race packet pickup only. Packet pickup & registration will be along Custers First Stand located on the Northeast corner of the parking area. Gates open at 0700 for entry and packet pickup. Restrooms are available inside the All-Ranks Club and inside the Fort Custer Education Center (FCEC).

Schedule

• Run/Walk Start: Run/walk will begin at 0900.
• Award Ceremony: Award ceremony will be held at 1015.

Results

Results will be live during the race and posted on this website. The race will be professionally timed by Epic Timing.

Awards

• Winners will be awarded for the following gender M/F and age groups:
• 13 and under
• 14-18
• 19-25
• 26-35
• 36-45
• 46-55
• 56+

Award ceremony will be held following the race in the military vehicle display area on the Southeast corner of the parking area at 1015.

Parking

Once cleared of the gate proceed straight thru the first stop sign (Armstrong Road) then turn left at the second stop sign (Harmonia Road). Proceed to the FCEC parking lot on the right. NOTE: Wayne road will be blocked as will the entrance to the parking lot from Wayne Road. Registration/check-in will be along Custers First Stand in the Northeast corner.

Proceeds

Proceeds go to the 177th Regiment RTI MWR and Ft Custer All Ranks Club which provides support and services to Soldiers of Fort Custer.

Additional Information

A note about the location: The gated entrance utilized to gain access to Ft Custer Training Center is located at crossroads of Denso Road and Clark Road, Augusta MI. Allow time for entry to the installation. This event is located on an active military installation: all vehicles are subject to search upon entry. Personally owned weapons are not authorized. Marijuana is not allowed on military installations. Violators will be barred from entry.

Race Registration

For more details and to register for the race, visit Fort Custer Defender 5K.