Mills River Park | Mills River, NC
5k 10AM Race Start | Fun Run 1/2 Mile Loop 9:45AM Race Start
Join us for meaningful way to celebrate Veterans Day with the Veterans Day 5K, presented by Best Buy Metals, on Sunday, November 8, at Mills River Park. This event is more than a run—it’s a chance to come together as a community to honor our veterans and support the life-changing work of the Veterans Healing Farm. |  |
The 5K course follows the family-friendly greenway at Mills River Park, that welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities. A finisher medal, race shirt, & chip timing are included in 5k race registration.
If you're not up to the 5K, we have an untimed, fun run option that is a ~1/2 mile flat loop. This option is good for kiddo's or those looking for a shorter distance. The Fun Run Loop includes a finisher medal and a bib. Parents/Guardians are welcome to run or walk along side! There are no awards for the Kids Loop. Fun Runners can add on the race shirt for $15 through check out.
Early Packet Pick Up November 7 | 11-1PM at Bold Rock Hard Cider in Mills River
Strollers are welcome! Dogs cannot participate in the race but are welcome to spectate.
This race is a fundraiser for the Veterans Healing Farm, a local nonprofit dedicated to supporting veterans through agriculture, community, and hands-on healing experiences.
2026 5k Race Shirt & Finisher Medal
 |  |
About the Veterans Healing Farm The Veteran Healing Farm’s mission is to enhance the mental, emotional, and physical well-being of our nation’s Veterans and their families. The Veteran Healing Farm accomplishes this through the creation of a safe, peaceful environment that fosters healing and camaraderie. |  |
Registration fees
Where pricing applies, shown amounts include mandatory charges, items, and fees.
Veterans Day 5k
Price changes in 3 days 17 minutes-
Includes a finisher medal & race shirt.
-
$50.14Apr 7 – Jul 19
-
Register for Veterans Day 5k$55.49Now registering Jul 20 – Oct 4
-
$60.83Oct 5 – Nov 8
-
Fun Run Loop Spots remaining: 24
Untimed fun run. Includes a finisher medal and bib.
-
Register for Fun Run Loop$12.69
Includes finisher medal and bib.
Apr 7 - Nov 8
Virtual 5k
Run or walk in your own time! Virtual Runners will receive a race shirt, bib, and finisher medal in the mail after race day. Not eligible for awards.
-
Register for Virtual 5k$50.14
Finisher medal, long sleeve shirt, and race bib will be mailed post race.
Apr 7 - Nov 8
5k Awards
Overall 5k Awards
5k runners in the male & female category top awards are below:
1st Place $20 gift certificate to Mountain Running Company
2nd Place $15 gift certificate to Mountain Running Company
3rd Place $10 gift certificate to Mountain Running Company
1st Place Masters (40+) $10 gift certificate to Mountain Running Company
1st Place Grand Masters (50+) $10 gift certificate to Mountain Running Company
Age Group Awards
A Viet Nam Veteran has generously donated the age group awards.
1st, 2nd, & 3rd place in the male & female categories in the age groups below will receive a custom award
10 & Under, 11 to 15, 16 to 19, 20 to 29, 30 to 39, 40 to 49, 50 to 59, 60 to 69, 70 to 79, 80 and up
5k Course Map
5k Course Map*
Click the map for more info!
The 5k course is 2 loops of the same route. Runners will start on the greenway near the Willow shelter. There will be an aid station near the shelter with water.
*Course subject to change.
Strollers are welcome to join! We just ask that you start at the back of the pack.
Dogs can’t participate in either of the races due to our race insurance. They’re welcome to join spectators at the park!*
*For safety purposes, and in compliance with our race insurance, we do not allow dogs or any other animals to run with participants at our events. Service animals will be allowed with prior approval (more than 5 days ahead of race day send request to info@kickitevents.com) and supporting documentation. Running with your animal will result in disqualification from award categories and timing results.
Event schedule
- Sat, November 7, 2026 11:00 AM - EARLY Packet Pick Up at Bold Rock Hard Cider
- Sat, November 7, 2026 1:00 PM - Packet Pick Up ENDS at Bold Rock Hard Cider
- Sun, November 8, 2026 9:00 AM - Race Day Packet Pick Up
- Sun, November 8, 2026 9:45 AM - Kids Loop Start
- Sun, November 8, 2026 10:00 AM - Veterans Day 5k Start
- Sun, November 8, 2026 11:00 AM - 5k Awards (tentative)
Contact information
- Event contact
- Rhianna Scott
- Website
- Visit website
Sponsors
-
Presenting Sponsor
-
-
Gold Sponsor
-
-
Silver Sponsor
-
-
Bronze Sponsor
-
-
Sterling Sponsor
-
-
Award Sponsor
-
-
Packet Pick Up
-
