Questions, answered.

Check-in opens at 8:00 AM at the North Park Boathouse. That is where you pick up your bib. The pre-race program begins at 8:35 AM with the Color Guard, National Anthem, and Opening Prayer, followed by race instructions at 8:50 AM. The race starts at 9:00 AM. Give yourself time to park and check in before the program begins. See the full race-day schedule.

Yes. Run, walk, or ruck at any pace. Strollers and wheelchairs are welcome, and so are families and first-timers. The finish line is the same for everyone.

Yes. Kids are welcome to run, walk, or ride along in a stroller. Any youth or kids pricing will be posted with registration.

We are finalizing timing now. However the clock works, the course welcomes runners chasing a time and walkers and ruckers taking it easy. Timing and any awards will be posted here as race week nears.

The course closes shortly after the last runner is expected to finish, around 10:15 AM. From 10:30 to 11:40 AM, the In Memory Of Ceremony and Flag Dedication honors our fallen brothers and sisters, followed by race awards at 11:45 AM. The Veterans Resource Fair runs from 12:00 to 2:00 PM and connects veterans, families, and the community with local, state, and national resources. It is open to all.

We are confirming the policy for North Park and will post it here before race day. If you hope to bring your dog, call and we will let you know where it lands.

Your entry includes your place in the 5K at North Park on Sep 26, 2026. More than that, it puts you behind scholarships for the children of veterans, in Jerry Ondo's honor.

No. Registration does not include a shirt. Event shirts are available to purchase separately, and details on how to get one will be posted here.

Refund and transfer terms will be set with the registration platform and posted before registration opens. If something comes up before race day, call and we will do our best to help.

Registration is open on RunSignup, a dedicated run platform that handles sign-up and payment securely — the standard for races this size. Online registration closes Friday, September 25 at 8:00 AM, and there is no race-day registration. Head to the Register page to sign up.

Every dollar supports scholarships for the children of veterans who died by suicide, in Jerry Ondo’s honor. Funds are received and administered by Semper Fi Mission, a Pittsburgh veterans nonprofit and a registered 501(c)(3) (EIN 99-4935449). Outright gifts are tax-deductible to the fullest extent allowed by law. Registration fees pay for your race entry, so they are generally not tax-deductible.

The Patriots 5K is run in his honor. We remember his life by funding scholarships for the children of veterans and by raising awareness for veteran mental health and suicide prevention. Read his full story, told by his family.