WAYS TO PARTICIPATE

1

RUN, WALK OR ROLL

The DAV 5K Boston is a family-friendly activity and we welcome runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes of all abilities to come join us! Race your way around Castle Island and then strike a pose when you finish! #VetsRunBoston

2

DONATE

DAV helps more than one million veterans each year in positive, life-changing ways, at no cost to them. From the Berkshires to Provincetown, the DAV Department of Massachusetts supports our local veterans everyday with our programs and services.

3

VOLUNTEER

We love our DAV 5K Boston volunteers! Come support our local veteran community and sign up here to volunteer at the DAV 5K Boston on Veterans Day.

VETERANS DAY
RACE DAY SCHEDULE

7:00 AM

Runner Solutions, DAV Merchandise, Team Tents
and Sponsor Row Opens

9:15 AM

Runner Solutions Closes
Opening Ceremony

9:30 AM

Live Performance of National Anthem

9:32 AM

Safety Briefing

9:45 AM

Procession to Start Area
with DAV Honor Guard

10:00 AM

DAV 5K Roll Starts

10:01 AM

DAV 5K Run Starts

10:05 AM

DAV 1 Mile Walk Starts

11:00 AM

Closing Ceremonies and Awards
Post-Race Celebration

COURSE MAP




Click here to download 5K run course map.

THE DAV 5K BOSTON FEATURES:

  • Flat and fast course that finishes outside DCR Fort Independence
  • Scenic views of Boston and Boston Harbor from Pleasure Bay
  • DAV Honor Guard procession to the start
  • Famous "post-race feast"

Click here to download 1 mile walk course map.

THE DAV 5K BOSTON FEATURES 3 SEPARATE STARTS:

  • All starts feature a ceremonial howitzer sendoff!
  • DAV 5K Roll: Handcycle and Wheelchair
  • DAV 5K Run/Walk
  • DAV 1 Mile Walk

PARKING & PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION


Taking the T, a taxi, carpooling or a ride-share to Fort Independence at Castle Island is HIGHLY recommended.

Parking: Limited parking is available on streets around Castle Island.

Rideshare or Taxi: The best address to use for DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island is 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127.

MBTA – Use the Red Line to Broadway Station, then take City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk to the right across Marine Park and around the water to the entrance of the fort. More information on public transportation is available here.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

We have automatically transferred your registration to the 2024 DAV 5K Boston.

Race packets will be mailed to registered participants beginning in October. Massachusetts registrants who submit their registration prior to Thursday, October 24 will receive their race kits prior to Veterans Day Weekend.

Taking the T, a taxi, carpooling or a ride-share to Fort Independence at Castle Island is HIGHLY recommended.

Parking: Limited parking is available on streets around Castle Island.

Rideshare or Taxi: The best address to use for DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island is 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127.

MBTA – Use the Red Line to Broadway Station, then take City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk to the right across Marine Park and around the water to the entrance of the fort. More information on public transportation is available here.

This year the DAV 5K Boston will not have a secure bag check. Please plan accordingly.

Registrations are non-refundable and non-transferable. But please know that your race fee is going to make a big difference for DAV Department of Massachusetts programs.

Massachusetts registrants who submit their registration prior to Thursday, October 24 will receive the DAV 5K Boston race kit in the mail prior to Veterans Day Weekend. For registrations after Thursday, October 24 or registrants outside of Massachusetts, race kits will be mailed in the order they are received and may not arrive in time for Veterans Day Weekend.

The DAV 5K Boston is USA Track and Field sanctioned, so we have to play by their rules. That means strollers and jogging strollers are not permitted. You'll have to brave the 5K solo, without your little ones.

Strollers are permitted outside DCR Fort Independence. Your partners and little ones can join you to celebrate your success after the race!

The DAV 5K Boston is USA Track and Field sanctioned, which means that pets are not permitted to join us along the way.

After the race, for safety and space restrictions, we do not allow dogs into the post-race event space outside DCR Fort Independence.

We love when friends and family join us on race day-- they are absolutely invited to come watch and cheer you on! We just ask that they make some sort of small contribution to DAV if they're going to come enjoy the party. They can donate to your personal fundraising campaign or help tip the bartenders!

There is no rain date. The DAV 5K Boston is RAIN OR SHINE.