Escape Belle Isle 5K Run and Ruck Powered by CoStar Group

We’re excited to be heading into our third year! After an amazing start, come join us in making a positive difference in supporting our service men and women during Military Appreciation Month. With a prime downtown location, river views, and the unique experience of traversing Belle Isle, this 5K Run and Ruck is one for the books.

The Escape Belle Isle 5K Run and Ruck welcomes all participants—from casual runners to competitive athletes to those looking for a meaningful rucking challenge in honor of our military. Race day is Saturday, May 2, 2026, with check‑in from 8:00–9:00 a.m., an opening ceremony at 9:15 a.m., the 5K run starting at 9:30 a.m., and the 5K ruck beginning at 9:35 a.m. The award ceremony will take place at 10:30 a.m. at the Virginia War Memorial, recognizing the top three male and female finishers in both the run and ruck categories.

This event proudly benefits Semper Fi & America’s Fund, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to providing immediate financial assistance and lifelong support to our nation’s critically wounded, ill, and injured service members, veterans, and military families. Their needs‑based approach ensures personalized, ongoing support for as long as it is required.

All participants will receive finisher items—a challenge coin and patch—and top finishers will be honored with a special prize goodie bag featuring items from our vendors and sponsors.

The course begins at the Virginia War Memorial bus loop and heads northeast up 2nd Street before turning right onto E. Byrd Street. Participants will then make a right onto 5th Street toward the river, followed by a left onto Tredegar Street. From there, the route crosses the pedestrian bridge onto Belle Isle, loops around the island, and continues with a slight right toward the wooden bridge, where a turnaround point will send participants back across the pedestrian bridge. The course then climbs up Brown’s Island Way and finishes back at the Virginia War Memorial.

Participants will encounter a mix of hills, paved sidewalks, and gravel paths around Belle Isle.

Strollers and dogs are welcome; we simply ask that participants remain courteous and aware of those around them.

Ruck Division Requirements

The ruck division of the Escape Belle Isle 5K requires participants to carry a weighted rucksack or other type of weighted backpack. We welcome ruckers of all levels to join us and earn a challenge coin and patch. However, to compete for a top‑finisher medal in the competitive ruck division, your ruck must meet the prescribed minimum weight: 

• Females: minimum 25 lbs
• Males: minimum 35 lbs
• Weighted vests and ruck plate carriers are allowed and qualify for the competitive division.
• LEOs and firefighters in full turnout gear also qualify for the competitive division

Rucks will be weighed before the start of the event, and they must remain compliant with the required weight for the entire duration of the race.

Ruck for Fun!

We enthusiastically welcome ruckers who prefer to participate without carrying the minimum competitive weight. These participants will still earn their patch and challenge coin but will skip the weigh‑in and will not be eligible for medal consideration. Come on out and ruck your yoga block!

All participants are responsible for supplying their own rucks and weights.

Awards

Awards will be presented to the top 3 overall male and top 3 overall female ruck finishers who cross the finish line with rucks that meet the competitive weight standard. There are no age brackets in the ruck division.

🎽 Packet Pick-Up
📅 Date: Friday, May 1, 2026
📍 Location: Lucky Road Run Shop - Willow Lawn
🕓 Time: 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Pick up your race bib, shirt, and swag bag!

Thank you for signing up to participate in our event virtually! Whether you’re running from across town or across the country, your miles directly support our mission and help us honor and assist our service members, veterans, and their families. Your participation from afar truly makes a difference.

You can complete your run or ruck anywhere, anytime during Military Appreciation Month (May 1–May 31) and submit your results under the RESULTS tab. We will begin shipping your swag and finisher items on May 1.

Be sure to tag us on Instagram @escapebelleislerva during your virtual run/ruck—we love seeing where you’re supporting the cause from!