Salute to Veterans Run 5K and 1 Mile Patriotic Paws Parade

The Jacksonville Salute to Veterans Run 5K and 1 Mile Patriotic Paws Parade is back and will be taking place on November 11th, 2023 at the USS Orleck in Downtown Jacksonville.

1 Mile Fun Run and Patriotic Paws Parade at 4:00 PM
Salute to Veterans 5K Race at 4:30
Post Race Party 5 PM – 8:30 PM

Please follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates and details on upcoming events. We are also currently looking for interested sponsors for both events!

ABOUT THIS RACE

The Salute to Veterans Run (S2VR) Run/Walk is a time-honored tradition and the longest-running Veterans Day 5K in Jacksonville. This being the 12th year of the event, the legacy of the S2VR has positioned itself as a premier event for the City of Jacksonville’s “Week of Valor.”

The 5K takes 750+ runners along the beautiful St. Johns River and through parts of downtown Jacksonville; at the same time family, friends, and spectators are enjoying our large family-oriented Race Village complete with food, drinks, bounce houses, several games, and assorted activities.

We plan on making this the largest Veterans Day 5K the City of JAX has ever had with some added events! This year’s celebration will take place on Saturday, November 11th at 3:30 at the pier of the USS Orleck. The race salutes all veterans with a unique start, by displaying the flags of all branches of the military services and singing a verse of each branch service song.

We will begin with the Patriotic Paws parade which is a 1-mile fun walk/run with your best-dressed dog. After the parade, we will commence the 5K Run/Walk. Immediately after we have a fantastic post-run celebration complete with a FREE beverage (alcoholic and non-alcoholic options available), a FREE food item, access for FREE entry to tour the USS Orleck (only offered on Race Day), and a FREE live concert for entertainment.

Additionally, there will be prize drawings for all runners after the race with separate placing and team prizes awarded to Civilians, Veterans, and Active Military personnel making this truly a “Salute to Veterans” event!

TO BENEFIT

Primary Benefactor

The race primarily benefits the Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) which is a IRS 501.c.3 Approved Non-Profit that owns the Jacksonville Naval Museum (JNM).

The mission of Jacksonville Historic Naval Ship Association (JHNSA) is to acquire the funds necessary to provide an interactive warship museum of naval military history and military heritage for visitors worldwide, to educate in the areas of Science, Technology, Engineering, Math plus History (STEM+H), and to inspire future generations of heroes and patriots.

The Vision of the JHNSA, through the Jacksonville Naval Museum (JNM), is to operate a world-class collection of naval artifacts that represents the rich naval heritage of the United States, the city of Jacksonville, and surrounding areas. The JNM could include, but not be limited to, aircraft, ships, submarines, and a building to contain naval and maritime artifacts, exhibits, and other historic documents. With our Mission and Vision in mind, our three key ethos: Honor, Inspire, and Service.

Secondary Benefactor

We are also raising money to support K9s for Warriors whose mission is to provide a vital service to military veterans by pairing them with specially trained service dogs. These dogs assist veterans who are struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), traumatic brain injury (TBI), and other service-related challenges. The organization aims to improve the quality of life for veterans by offering them the support and companionship of these highly trained canines. Additionally, K9s For Warriors seeks to reduce the risk of suicide among veterans and facilitate their successful reintegration into civilian life.

PATRIOTIC PAWS PARADE

This is the 8th Annual 1-mile fun run/walk event. Bring your best dressed-up pups and show your support for K9’s for Warriors (Non-profit) who are locally based in Jacksonville. Assist us in the mission of giving back to our veteran community by helping us raise funds to pair veteran service-members with trained service dogs helping them have a better quality of life.

This year we have several pet-friendly sponsors who will be participating and every dog participant will receive a free goodie bag filled with delicious treats and other items. Dogs and owners are invited to stay after the parade and 5K to enjoy our Post Race Party with live music, food, beverages, and race village.

The Top 3 Patriotic Pups will earn a gift prize. We had some stiff competition last year with some adorable costumes and are excited to see some new faces.

NOTE: Please have all dogs on leash for safety purposes.

Patriotic Paws Parade Director

Nadia Seesock

events@jaxnavalmuseum.org

M: (904) 553-7908

SHIRTS AND MEDALS

Each participant will receive a Salute to Veterans Run shirt and race medal! Stay tuned on social media for the theme of this year’s run and our medal reveal.

POST RACE CELEBRATION

Post-Race Celebration will take place at the Pier of the USS Orleck boasting a gorgeous view of our beautiful city. Refreshments will be provided to include a food and drink item of choice (with proof of race bib ticket) which will include alcoholic and non-alcoholic options. We will have food options for non-participants as well. This year we will be having LIVE ENTERTAINMENT following the awards presentation in honor of Veterans Day and will have a bounce house for the kiddos.

Follow us on Instagram and Facebook for updates on details as to who will be our musical guest and also who is sponsoring this year’s post-race food + beverages. This is a party you don’t want to miss!

VOLUNTEERS AND SPONSOR OPPORTUNITIES

For general race information and questions, race sponsorship, and support opportunities, email the Race Director Isabel Guerrero at vetsrun@jaxnavalmuseum.org. All volunteers will receive proof of volunteer hours upon request.