Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck
When is Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck?
Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck takes place on Saturday, May 30, 2026 in Louisville, KY.
What distances does Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck offer?
Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck offers 4 events: H.E.R.O. 5K Run/Walk/Ruck, H.E.R.O VIRTUAL Run/Walk/Ruck, H.E.R.O 10K Run/Ruck, H.E.R.O Kids 8 & Under FREE 100 Meter Fun Run.
| Event | Distance | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|
| H.E.R.O. 5K Run/Walk/Ruck | 3.1 mi | $30.00 | Register |
| H.E.R.O VIRTUAL Run/Walk/Ruck | 3.1 mi | $30.00 | Register |
| H.E.R.O 10K Run/Ruck | 6.2 mi | $30.00 | Register |
| H.E.R.O Kids 8 & Under FREE 100 Meter Fun Run | 100.0 mi | $0.00 | Register |
How much does Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck cost?
Registration for Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck starts at $0.00. Prices vary by event distance.
Where is Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck held?
Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck is held in Louisville, KY at University of Louisville Track Stadium.
About Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck
“OUR NATION OWES A DEBT TO ITS FALLEN HEROES THAT WE CAN NEVER FULLY REPAY"
The 5th Annual Louisville Honor Earned, Remembrance Owed (H.E.R.O.) Run/Walk/Ruck honors those who died in battle and those we lost at home to the psychological wounds of war. Join us on Saturday, May 30, 2026 for a day of camaraderie and connection. Proceeds will benefit Volunteers of America Mid-States, as well as the University of Louisville's Salute to Service Scholarship Fund.
Join us to support great Veteran driven charities, learn more about local Veteran organizations, and take home a unique finisher's medal.
The Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck is a family friendly event, and will once again take place at the University of Louisville Cardinal Track Stadium, 2125 South Floyd Street in Louisville. The route will leave the track and field stadium, take participants around the beautiful University of Louisville campus, and finish on the track.
Registration
Early Bird Pricing until December 31, 2025: $20 for Military/Veterans, $25 for civilians
After January 1, 2026: $25 for Military/Veterans, $30 for civilians
Kids 8 and under can also choose to run our FREE 100-meter fun run.
Race Ambassadors
Recruit 5 friends and family to register, and get your race registration refunded! Details will be included in your confirmation email after you sign up.
Packet Pickup
Packet pickup will be Friday, May 29, 2026 at Mission BBQ, 4607 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Race day packet pickup and registration will be from 7:00am to 7:45am at Cardinal Track Stadium. Participants are STRONGLY encouraged to pick up their race packets / swag bags on Friday
Awards
All 5K and 10K finishers will receive a beautiful custom medal to add to their race collection.
Additional awards for top civilian and Veteran male and female finishers for both the 5K and 10K distances.
Course Map
https://www.mapmyrun.com/routes/view/5796686524 (5K)
10K runners will complete the 5K course twice.
FAQs
Question: Can my child run the free 100m Kids Run and the full 5K or 10K?
Answer: Yes! The 100m Kids Run is a free event only for kids 8 and under. If your child also plans to participate in the 5K or 10K event and would like a finisher's medal, you will need to sign them up separately for that and pay the full entry fee. Finisher's medals will be given out to participants who paid for the 5K or 10K event and are wearing a race bib.
Question: Can I bring a stroller? Wheelchair?
Answer: Yes! Participants with strollers and wheelchairs are welcome to join us! Watch for the curbs whenever crossing any intersections, but there are ramps at every intersection along the route.
Question: How does the virtual option work?
Answer: You can participate in the Louisville H.E.R.O. Run/Walk/Ruck from anywhere! You do not need to submit your time or show proof of completion. Just sign up for the virtual option and we will mail you a finisher's medal after race day.
Question: When/where is packet pickup?
Answer: Packet pickup will be Friday, May 29, 2026 at Mission BBQ, 4607 Shelbyville Road, Louisville, KY 40207, from 3:00pm to 7:00pm. Race day packet pickup and registration will be from 7:00am to 7:45am at Cardinal Track Stadium. Participants are STRONGLY encouraged to pick up their race packets / swag bags on Friday
Question: Where can I park on race day?
Answer: UofL is offering FREE parking in the Floyd Street garage directly across from Cardinal Track Stadium. The address for the garage is 2126 S. Floyd St. Due to road closures for the 5K, you'll need to come up Floyd Street from the south and the parking garage will be on your left.
Question: Can I bring my dog?
Answer: No, except for service dogs. The University of Louisville only allows certified service dogs inside Cardinal Track Stadium.
Question: Is there a weight requirement for the ruck event?
Answer: No, we will not be weighing ruck sacks before the event. Feel free to carry whatever weight you are comfortable with!
Question: Will you post photos after the event?
Answer: Yes! We will have a photographer at the Finish Line snapping pictures of everyone as they complete the race. We will upload these to the Photos page of the website a few days after the race, so check back often! Feel free to copy/download these photos and share them on social media. Please be sure to tag us! Louisville Hero Run on Facebook, @LouisvilleHeroRun on Instagram, @Ville_Hero_Run on Twitter