Because of the Brave 5K

🇺🇸 Event Description

• Honoring Heroes: The name of this event says it all… Because of the Brave! We love this country and all of us enjoy the freedom of living in the United States of America. However, this freedom we enjoy came at a price. On this Memorial Day, come out and join us in an event that truly honors the brave men and women who paid the ultimate sacrifice for our freedom.
• Carrying the Flag: These men and women carried their American flag and served our country with honor. What better way to honor them, than to carry an American flag while running/walking a 5K? Each runner/walker must carry a 2’x 3’ American flag during the entire 5K course.
• Focus on Reflection: This event is not about you and, therefore, is not a race. You can run/walk at whatever pace you would like to, but this is not a timed 5K event.
• Event Proceeds: Because of the Brave 5K will be hosted by the American Village. A portion of your entry fee will be donated to both the Alabama National Cemetery and the American Village.

🗺️ Course Description

• Scenic Route: The 5K course will wind throughout the beautiful grounds at American Village.
• Course Layout: The course consists of a 1.55-mile loop and will be clearly marked with patriotic flags.
• Access: Runners/walkers must complete the loop twice to finish the course and complete the 5K distance.
• Family-Friendly: The entire course will be on paved surfaces, so strollers and wheelchairs are welcome.

📅 Time and Location

• Date: Memorial Day: Monday May 26, 2025, @ 7:00 AM
• Venue: Because of the Brave 5K will be held at American Village in Montevallo, Alabama.
• Address: 3727 Highway 119 Montevallo, AL 35115
• Parking Coordinates: The GPS coordinates of the parking lot you’ll want to park in are: (33.137730, -86.829740)

🎟️ Packet Pickup

• Race Day Pickup: There is no early packet pickup. Packet pickup will be at the start/finish line from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM.
• Pre-run Briefing: A pre-run briefing will take place at 6:40 AM. The 5K run/walk will begin at 7:00 AM sharp.
• Flag Distribution: Runners will receive a 2’ x 3’ American flag attached to a pole at packet pickup.
• Memorial Flag: A custom Because of the Brave 5K flag will be available to honor heroes during the event.

🏅 Swag

• Challenge Coin: All runners/walkers will receive a custom Because of the Brave 5K challenge coin at the finish line.
• Flag Exchange: Runners/walkers will exchange the American flag they’ve carried during the 5K course for the challenge coin.
• No Awards: There will be no awards given to the top finishers, as this is not a race.
• Sign Up Deadline: Be sure to sign up by May 1st, 2025, to guarantee that you’ll receive the custom challenge coin.

💧 Aid Station

• Water Station: We will provide one water station during the course at the start/finish line area.
• Hydration: Runners/walkers will be able to hydrate at the halfway point and at the finish line.
• Fruit Provided: Fruit will also be provided at the finish line.

🔄 Refunds

• No Refunds: We understand things happen, but no refunds will be given to any runner for this competition.
• Entry Transfer: If you can find another runner to take your spot, you can transfer your entry to them.
• Deferral Option: You can also defer your entry to next year’s event by contacting us.

📞 Contact Us

• Email: If you have any questions about this event, contact us at therunningbirds11@gmail.com.
• American Village: For more information about the American Village visit their website: https://www.americanvillage.org/
• Alabama National Cemetery: For more information visit their website: https://www.cem.va.gov/cems/nchp/alabama.asp

💖 Donations

• Additional Donations: In addition to a portion of your entry fee that will be donated, you can make a donation of any amount to either or both American Village and the Alabama National Cemetery.
• Direct Support: Any additional donations will go straight to American Village and/or the Alabama National Cemetery.

For more information about the race, please visit: Because of the Brave 5K Registration.