Wounded Warrior Project® Hosts The Carry Forward® 5k on Saturday, November 5
The Wounded Warrior Project® (WWP®) is hosting its Carry Forward® 5k (Carry Forward) on Saturday, November 5, with registration beginning at 7 a.m. at its Jacksonville headquarters on Belfort Road.
Presented by CSX, a Jacksonville-based transportation company that provides rail, intermodal and rail-to-truck transload services, the annual event, now in its fifth year, is expecting to tally over 2,000 runners and walkers to raise funds and awareness in support of projects and services initiated by WWP. Warriors never pay a penny for WWP programs or services because according to WWP these Warriors “paid their dues on the battlefield.”
Brea Kratdert-Todd, WWP Vice President of Business Development, described the family-friendly event as a gathering of the Jacksonville community in support of Wounded Warriors and their families.
“We’re thrilled to host Carry Forward once again on the First Coast,” she said. “We’re extremely grateful for Jacksonville’s continued support of this exciting 5k and our mission to empower more Veterans every year.”
To date, this year’s Carry Forward is tipping the scales at almost two-hundred thousand dollars, thirty-thousand dollars shy from its goal of $230,000.
The standard 3.1 mile race/walk exemplifies the efforts and burdens Veterans face protecting American democracy domestically and abroad. Select categories - Flags, Fitness and Fierce - work in tandem with objects carried by participants. Flags represent patriotism; fitness weights symbolize the responsibilities veterans bear; and hoisting a “real live person” demonstrates the loyalty of Veterans carrying each other in their time of need.
Although flags are sold on site, Kratdert-Todd said that many bring their own flag, a gesture she described as inspirational and impressive at the race’s start and finish lines.
“Whether its a flag that represents the armed services, the Wounded Warrior Project or an American flag, you see so many different flags, adding patriotism and energy to the event,” she said.
Kratdert-Todd, added the category of Fierce - shouldering a person - requires training and commitment.
Carry Forward also honors its Mission Milers, individuals who year after year commit to honoring and empowering America’s heroes by participating in multiple Carry Forward races. Five and three year benchmarks earn swag bags and rewards in recognition of their commitment to serving those who served America.
Those who cannot participate on Saturday can host their own virtual Carry Forward solo or sponsored community event. For more details contact https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
Registrants can pick up race kits at WWP headquarters on Friday, November 4, between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. ID is required.
On-site registration and packet pickup begins at 7 a.m. Opening Ceremony at 8:00 a.m. Race begins immediately following the opening ceremony. Parking is free in the Butler Plaza parking lots.
