EOD Memorial Challenge 2026

Join us this year in participation of the 2026 EOD Memorial Challenge! This year's event is hosted by the NAVSCOLEOD Joint Service Association. 

Starts and ends in front of the EOD Memorial located on Range Rd, Bluewater Bay.  

Course details: 4.5 mile ruck | 0.5 mile swim | 4 mile run
Garmin course link: https://connect.garmin.com/modern/course/240469810

Admission includes (1) race entry, (2) beverage tickets, (2) meal tickets, (1) event t-shirt*.

*T-shirts guaranteed to participants registered on or before 13 April 2026. We will order extra t-shirts for those who register after that date, but it is on a first-come first-served basis.

Prizes: 
Top Male / Female + Top competitor in age groups:
Under 18, 18-25, 26-30, 31-40, 41-50, over 50
Top team will be awarded as well. Teams will consist of 5 people per team. Teams are optional.

Ruck** weights:
30lb* minimum for 18 y/o and older
15lb* minimum for 17 y/o and younger
*minimum indicates eligibility for prizes. Titrate ruck weight to own fitness level/age.
**ruck= any method of carrying prescribed weight

The awards ceremony will commence when the majority of participants have finished.

Monetary proceeds will be used to execute this event and support the EOD Memorial and other EOD focused organizations.

Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/EODMemorialChallenge

Who We Are & Our Support of the EOD Memorial Grounds:

The EOD Warrior Foundation and its predecessors have been proudly serving the Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) community since 1969. The Foundation provides financial grants for active-duty personnel and veterans and families, scholarships for undergraduate and graduate degrees and vocational certifications, and both in-person and virtual programs ranging from mental health care to family retreats and community events. Over 3,000 EOD families are assisted each year.

Since 1969, the most sacred responsibility has been the care of the EOD Memorial and the surrounding grounds. The EOD Memorial is made up of four large bronze and stone cenotaphs, one for each main branch of the military. Each cenotaph lists the individual names of the EOD Technicians killed in action and is topped with a bronze branch emblem.

While these cenotaphs are routinely and professionally cleaned and maintained, the Florida sun, humidity, and salt air have taken its toll on the brass and stone. The names and branch emblems need to be removed and recast or remade before remounting onto the newly cleaned stone facings. This work will ensure that the EOD Memorial continues to proudly honor the memories of the 345 EOD Technicians whose names are currently enshrined there and into the future as new names are sadly added.

The EODWF looks forward to displaying the newly cleaned and recast EOD Memorial during the 2026 EOD Memorial Ceremony.

Donate to the EODWF by clinking the link provided: EODWF EOD Memorial Challenge Donate Page

The Navy Special Operations Foundation (NSOF) is the only organization solely dedicated to supporting the Navy EOD and Navy Diver community. 
We believe that Navy EOD and Divers deserve tailored support built for their community.

Our mission is simple but critical: to ensure our operators and their families have the support, resources, and care they deserve to navigate any challenge they may face.

Being entirely run by former NSO members and their families, we understand firsthand the demands placed on this under-recognized community and the importance of long-term resiliency.

Through every stage of service and beyond, NSOF stands alongside these heroes and their families to ensure they are always supported.

Your generosity directly impacts these warriors and their loved ones, helping them overcome obstacles, discover renewed purpose, and lets them know they are never alone in the fight.  

Donate to NSOF by clicking the link provided: NSOF EOD Memorial Challenge Donate Page

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1.    Is a weighted vest acceptable?
o    Yes, a weighted vest is acceptable, as long as it’s clearly labeled with your name, bib number, and possibly a phone number.

2.    If I drop my shoes for the swim, can my wife bring them to me for the run?
o    Yes, your wife can bring your shoes to you for the run, but please note that it may be challenging to locate you in the crowd of 300 racers. Additionally, she will need to pay a small fee to the state park for entry.

3.    If my wife can’t bring my shoes to me, what do most participants do with their shoes?
o    Most participants simply run with their shoes still wet, as this is historically the fastest method.

4.    Can I pin my race bib to my swim shorts?
o    Yes, you can pin your bib to your swim shorts or shirt, but using a race belt is recommended for convenience. Just make sure the bib is visible from the front during the run and ruck for accurate results and photos. The bib placement during the swim doesn’t matter.

5.    Can I have a spotter on a bicycle with me during the road portions of the ruck and run?
o    While there are no restrictions on bicycles along the route (as it’s mostly on public roads and trails), we recommend against having a spotter riding right next to you for safety reasons. The flow of traffic may make it difficult for them to stay right beside you, but they can be reasonably near you throughout the route.

6.    How long does the swim usually take for participants?
o    The swim is approximately 0.5 miles, and fins and/or flotation devices are allowed. While some years have currents that can affect swim speed, most avid swimmers complete it in under 30 minutes.

7.    I am overseas, so the swim isn’t an option. Do you have an alternative for that portion of the event?
o    Yes! For those unable to swim, there is a virtual option. Participants will complete a 4.5-mile ruck (35lbs or 15lbs for those under 18), followed by a 4-mile run. There must be no more than a one-hour break between the ruck and the run, and heart rate data and distance must be recorded for scoring purposes. No swim is required. Be sure to enter your correct address for shirt delivery.

8.    Can I stage dry gear for the run at the swim exit before the race starts?
o    When you exit the swim, there will be a drop station where you can drop off whatever you'd like, however, anything you need to use on the run must be carried with you on the ruck and the swim. There will be no staging of gear at the swim entrance or exit. For example, if you want to have fins and dry shoes, I'd recommend fins on outside of the ruck and shoes in small dry bag so they won’t get wet on swim. By far the fastest method is placing fins on the ruck as part of the total 30# weight and then using them on the swim and running back in same wet shoes you swam in. Some people do bring extra pair of dry shoes in a dry bag.

9.    Can I leave a drop bag with shoes at the exit of the swim?
o    Yes, you can drop gear at the swim exit, but please ensure it’s properly labeled. The gear will be transported to the end of the race. However, you must carry any gear you need for both the swim and the run. There will be drop stations at both the swim entrance and exit.

10.    Do I need to supply my own ruck? Will rucks be provided?
o    You will need to supply your own ruck. There is no specific requirement for the ruck, just a way to carry your weight. Some participants have even used a 30lb kettlebell as a substitute for a traditional ruck.

11.    How do teams work?
o    Teams must register as a 5 person team. They must all finish together at the same time and declare at the finish line that they are a team and state team name. Stay together at scoring booth until times are recorded. Top team is eligible for the team prizes.

Step into a day of meaningful camaraderie, honor, and purpose at our Memorial Challenge—an extraordinary event combining a ruck, swim, and run, held in commemoration of the courageous EOD technicians who sacrificed their lives. Join us at the iconic EOD Memorial Wall at Eglin Air Force Base NAVSCOLEOD, where we will pay tribute to the 345 fallen heroes who gave everything in the line of duty.

This physically demanding challenge is not just an event; it's a heartfelt homage to the memory of those we've lost. By participating, you'll be part of a powerful movement to support the EOD Memorial and other organizations dedicated to the EOD community.

Following the challenge, revel in the sense of achievement and solidarity at our cookout, where stories will be shared, connections forged, and a powerful award ceremony will take place. Your participation ensures that the legacy of our fallen heroes lives on, making a tangible impact on the EOD community.

Come be a part of this extraordinary day, where we celebrate resilience, pay tribute to the fallen, and contribute to a noble cause. Together, we can make a difference and honor those who bravely served. Join us for an unforgettable experience that goes beyond the physical challenge—it's a journey of remembrance, unity, and support.

0700-0845: Registration, check-in, bibs / body marking, pack ruck, weigh-in at scales

0800: Opening ceremony

0900: *****RACE START*****

0910: Aid Station 1 Set up

0915: Aid Station 2 Set up

0920: Aid Station 3 Set up

1000: Post race food and beverage available

1030: Earliest realistic finishers

Awards ceremony will commence when majority of participants have finished.

2026 Athlete Guide

See race day photos!