Fort Custer "Defender" 5K

🏃‍♂️ Overview

The 177th Regional Training Institute (RTI) MIARNG is excited to announce its third annual Fort Custer ‘Defender’ 5K. The event will be held on Saturday, the 3rd of May 2025 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. Activities for kids of all ages. Saint Samuels food truck https://www.facebook.com/p/Saint-Samuels-100085124907742/ will be on site and the club will be open for purchasing beverages. Cash only at the club. An ATM is available at the FCEC.

👥 Participants

• Maximum Participants: 250

💰 Price

• Entry Fee: $35 for the 5k run/walk.

📍 Route

• Course Type: Flat, paved route around Fort Custer with a short section of the training area.
• Water Stations: Available at the crossroads of 26th and Armstrong prior to 1 mile and just after 2 miles.
• Roads: The course is on 2 lane roads open for vehicle travel.
• Strollers: Allowed: however, pets are not permitted.

🎽 Swag

• Finishers Medal: All participants will receive a finishers medal and T-shirt.
• T-shirt Availability: Not guaranteed for those registered after 15 April 2024.

🙌 Sponsors

• NGAM (National Guard Association of MI)
• MIARNG Recruiting & Retention Battalion
• Spartan Nash
• Biggby Coffee
• MIARNG NCO Backbone Golf Outing

📦 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: 0900
• Award Ceremony: 1015

📊 Results

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

🏅 Awards

• Winners will be awarded for gender M/F and age groups.
• 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.

📍 Location Note

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 Link

For more information and to register, visit Fort Custer Defender 5K.