The 16th annual race for a soldier is on september 13th, 2026!
What is race for a soldier?
Race For A Soldier is presented by the Permission To Start Dreaming Foundation to raise awareness of the challenges faced by our military service members, veterans and first responders living with the effects of Post-Traumatic Stress and Traumatic Brain Injuries. The Foundation has delivered Mind, Body and Spirit workshops; courage and leadership summits; eliminated barriers for veterans to receive equine therapy and counseling; facilitates the Warrior PATHH training program; and peer to peer support meetings called “Huddles” in Gig Harbor.
The Permission to Start Dreaming Foundation is committed to finding the best tools and training to enhance the mind, body and spiritual wellbeing of our nation’s veterans, first responders and their family members. We believe they should be provided the very best programs that help restore their lives and overcome the trauma they face while serving their country and communities.
Race info
Sunday, September 13th 2016
Start and Finish
Opening Ceremony at 7:30 AM
Race Start – varies by distance
2026 Race Schedule & Distances
- 5K (3.1 miles) – Start 8:00 AM PDT
- 10K (6.2 miles) – Start 7:55 AM PDT
- Half Marathon (13.1 miles) – Start 7:50 AM PDT (finish by 12:00 PM PDT)
- Kids’ Run (100m) – Start 10:00 AM PDT
- Virtual Run – Register by Sept 5, 2026. Run when you can!
Click the links below to see the official course maps on MapMyRun.com
Thank You To Our 2026 Presenting Sponsors
Volunteer
Be part of something bigger
Every great race depends on dedicated volunteers, and Race for a Soldier is no exception. By volunteering, you are helping create an unforgettable experience while supporting the brave men and women who have served our country.
Whether you’re handing out water, cheering on runners, helping at registration, or guiding participants along the course, your time and energy make a real difference. Volunteers are often the first smile participants see in the morning and the encouragement they need when the miles get tough.
Why Volunteer?
- Support a meaningful community event honoring our military service members.
- Help hundreds of runners achieve their goals.
- Meet amazing people and make new friends.
- Earn volunteer service hours.
- Experience the excitement and inspiration of race day from a unique perspective.
- Make a direct impact without having to run a single mile.
Race for a Soldier is more than a race — it’s a community coming together to honor service, sacrifice, and resilience. We invite you to be part of this special event and help make race day a success.
Thank you for considering volunteering. We couldn’t do it without you. Volunteer today and help us make every mile matter.
FAQ and Local accommodations:
looking for a place to stay?
We highly recommend Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites, the OFFICIAL partner of Race For A Soldier!
• 7:30 am – Opening Ceremonies
• 7:45 am – Half Marathon
• 7:55 am – 10K start
• 8:00 am – 5k start
• 10:00 am – Kids Run
- 5K run/walk
- 10K run
- Half Marathon
- Kids Run
- Friday September 11 th from 11:00am to 5:00pm at the Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites
- Saturday September 12 th from 11:00am to 4:00pm at the Best Western Wesley Inn & Suites
Yes. Participants of the these events are welcome to use walking sticks; however, please be courteous and mindful of participants around you.
No. No wheels are allowed on the course except for registered wheelchairs and official course vehicles.
Coming soon
Pets are not allowed on course because of insurance reasons. Thank you for your understanding. As for strollers, yes! Please be aware of your fellow participants if they need to pass or you are passing them – always allow for enough space for you and the stroller.
Cash, check or credit cards will be accepted onsite at the day-of-event. Discount codes will only be valid during online registration.
Yes. It will be located in the a large box truck near the finish line. You must provide your own bag. You can either put a tag on your bag prior to arrival with your bib number on it or we will provide you with a tag and pen at Gear Check to do so.
Yes. The event portable restrooms onsite near the start and finish line. There will also be portable restrooms located near the aid stations on course.
All bib numbers must be worn on the front of your body. Safety pins will be available at the packet pickup as well as near the day-of-race registration and packet pickup area.
Yes, we will have a medical tent near the finish line. Each aid station will have first aid supplies.
Yes. There will be seven water stations on the course. When approaching the water station, please grab the water and continue to run/walk at least 50 feet prior to slowing down to drink the water. This will help alleviate the crowding that normally occurs.
Yes. Walkers are allowed and ENCOURAGED!
Note: The course will close 12:00PM.
The top 3 male and female finishers in the 5K AND 10K will be announced 10:00 AM near the finish line. Check the QR codes on SITE for results.
At some points on the course, the road in the direction of the run will be completely closed. Vehicle traffic will be allowed in the other direction. Further into the routes of both events the roads may be open for vehicles in both directions with the event routes coned on the side of the road.
2025 Recap
Watch the powerful opening ceremonies from the 15th annual Race for a soldier!
“The mic cut out halfway though, but ALL things worked together for the good!” – Evangelo MOrris
image galleries
2025 race for a soldier Top finishers
congratulations!
#1: Jalen Woodward; Seattle, WA, 22:56.1
#2: Ascher Lascheck; Gig Harbor, WA, 22:17.6
#3: Megan Dyer; Gig Harbor, WA, 22:25.9
#1: Perry Sweet; JBLM, WA, 17:17.0
#2: Nolan Winderl; Olalla, WA, 17:49.0
#3: Ethan Ericson; Gig Harbor, WA, 17:53.3
2025 kilometer Sponsors
Additional Sponsors & Supporters
Who We Are
We are committed to bringing hope and healing to our first responders, military members, veterans and their families dealing with post-traumatic stress and combat trauma.
Do You Need Help?
If you are in a crisis and need to talk right away, or you are concerned about somebody else, there is always someone to listen and help.
