WHAT TO EXPECT - HOW TO PREPARE

You are welcome to bring ruck weights but they are not required. We simply want you to walk with us at whatever capacity you desire. We encourage you to bring flags if you have them, the more the better! Please wear comfortable walking shoes and bring extra socks. A backpack/rucksack is recommended. Bring plenty of water, you’ll be able to refill at our 4 stations. Camelback highly recommended. Bring snacks and hydration mixes. Bring sunscreen and wear comfortable cool clothing. Bring headphones to listen to music or podcasts. We will have a webpage available for you to listen to Mic Stephens talk about his memories with his son Riley Stephens and recounts his legacy and sacrifice. As we walk to remember Riley Stephens, it’s a very special opportunity to learn about his legacy from the perspective of his father.

PARKING

Please park on the left side of the VFW when facing the front. Volunteers will be directing traffic. Overflow parking will continue on the grass behind the fence down the left side of the VFW. Please keep the main parking lot clear. USE CAUTION WHEN ENTERING AND EXITING THE VFW TO 377.

TIMELINE - SEPTEMBER 28, 2024

7AM

  • Check in and collect t-shirt and wristbands or register onsite if you haven’t online.

  • 1940's Willy's Jeeps Static Display & 75mm Pack Howitzer

  • GCH Military Branch Trucks

  • Patriotic sounds by Santos

  • Introduction speech and safety brief: Sgt First Class (Ret) Ken Stephens. Prayer by Pastor Brett Quillin.

8AM

  • 8:00 - Step off

  • 8:16 - Mile 1

  • 8:32 - Mile 2

  • 8:35 - Station #1 - Water & Portable Toilets - 5 Minutes

  • 8:53 - Mile 3

9AM

  • 5K participants arrive and park on left side of the VFW

  • Check in and collect t-shirt and wristbands or register onsite if you haven’t online.

  • 9:00-9:30 - 5K participants hop on van shuttle to Memorial Lane for check in. Note:  If running late, a small amount of parking is available at Memorial Lane.  Someone will get you back to your vehicle after the event.

  • 9:09 - Mile 4

  • 9:25 - Mile 5

  • 9:30 - Station #2 Gas Station - Water, Snacks, Toilets - 5 Minutes

  • 9:46 - Mile 6

10AM

  • Memorial Lane Pickup 5K Participants

  • RV Formation Group/Missing Man Flyover

  • Take photos and prepare for final 5K

  • 10:00 - Station #3 - Water & Portable Toilets - 15 Minutes

  • 10:15 - Step off Memorial Lane (Public toilets available on right by baseball fields after leaving Memorial Lane)

  • 10:21 - Mile 7

  • 10:37 - Mile 8

  • 10:50 - Station #4 - Water only - 5 Minutes

  • 10:58 - Mile 9

11AM

  • 11:14 - Mile 10

  • 11:30 - Mile 11 - Arrive at VFW. Meet up station on the right just before VFW so you can gather your group to walk into VFW together. Dr. Taber's Military Bagpipe Music with Taps. Tarleton State University Corps of Cadets Color Guard.

  • Hot dogs and Gatorade available for 22K & 5K participants. Food and drinks available for non participants with donation.

  • Purchase additional t-shirts.

  • Door prizes.

  • Hang out in the back with jeep display and shots of Crown available in honor of Riley Stephens.