Boots on the Run 5K

Boots on the Run is a ‘fast and flat’ 5k race beginning and ending at the USO of North Carolina, Jacksonville Center, located at 9 Tallman Street in downtown Jacksonville.

This year will be our 5th Anniversary of this iconic race.   The tradition of flooding the streets of downtown Jacksonville with American flags will be continued as well as our addition of a memorial mile, honoring the fallen since the war on terror began on 9/11/2001.

In honor of our racing roots, we continue the tradition of firefighters running in full gear while carrying the American flag which bears the names of those souls lost on 9/11/2001.

We offer special rates to active duty military units and encourage them to carry their unit colors and run in formation singing cadence. 

In 2011 the Stephen Sillers Foundation tapped Jacksonville, home of Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune to participate as one of 54 cities across the country to recognize the tragic anniversary of 9/11.   Camp Lejeune was significant as being a former duty post to one of the 54 fallen first responders lost that tragic day.  The USO of North Carolina, Jacksonville Center was compelled to participate in honor the fallen, but to also honor all Marines, Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, National Guard, Reservists and Coast Guard who have served as a result of that day. 

The race was a considerable success in it’s first year, and was decided to be kept as an annual event which the next year would be known as ‘Boots on the Run’.