Fort Bragg’s Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation is hosting the All American Races on March 22. It’s an opportunity for everyone, soldiers and the community alike, to test their limits, enjoy the outdoors, and celebrate at the Finish Fest.
“It’s bringing soldiers, families, and the community together,” said Amanda Cahill, Special Event Coordinator for Fort Bragg MWR. She said the MWR seeks to provide recreational opportunities that enhance fitness and wellbeing.
Cahill explained that the All American Marathon started in 2014 with a full marathon, half marathon, and 5k. During the COVID-19 pandemic, like many other community events, the All American was on hold for a few years. In 2023, it came back, and this will be its 3rd year operating post-COVID. Now, it features a half marathon and 5k. They expect to see a total of around 2,300 participants and likely will reach registration capacity.
The half marathon and 5k will begin respectively at 7 a.m. and 7:20 a.m. Both begin and end at the main Post Parade Field. Cahill commented that they hope to see favorable weather, but March in North Carolina can be unpredictable.
“There have been years where it's been freezing, there have been years where it's been a little bit warmer,” she explained, “We're just hoping that it'll be a great weather day.”
She encourages participants to keep an eye on the weather, be prepared, and dress appropriately.
According to the MWR website, every registered runner will receive an All American Races participant t-shirt, race bib, a custom race medal and a beer/beverage.
All runners who complete the All American half marathon within the 4 hour time limit will receive a finisher medal. There will also be awards given to the top 3 males, top 3 females, top 3 wheelchair athletes, and age group awards according to the following groupings: 16-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
Runners who compete in the All American 5K are eligible for awards in the following categories: top 3 males, top 3 females, top 3 wheelchair athletes, and age group awards: 9 and under, 10-14, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, 80+
In addition to race awards, visitors are eligible to participate in giveaways hosted by event sponsors. Event sponsors can be found at the Finish Fest and include Veterans United Home Loans, USAA, Fort Liberty Federal Credit Union, Gary Sinise Foundation, AUSA Fort Liberty Chapter, Telemynd, Smith Douglas Homes, Wake Spine and Pain, BSN Sports, Wear Blue Run to Remember, Hendrick Toyota Fayetteville, Healy Wholesale Co. Inc., Shuttle Buddy, Hoist IV Level Hydration, Martial Arts of NC.
The finish fest will also include live entertainment by the 82nd Airborne Division rock band, a children’s play area with bounce houses, food vendors and more.
Cahill said they are always in search of volunteers to help at the event. This can be a way to fulfill volunteer hours or simply enjoy what the MWR website described as a “unique and rewarding experience.” According to the MWR website volunteer opportunities include:
Water Station Attendants – Mix electrolyte products, distribute water, and cheer on runners.
Course Marshals – Motivate runners, steer them in the right direction, and maintain the flow of the races.
Start/Finish Line – Assisting in the setup of the start/finish line area and passing out water/electrolytes and medals at the finish line.
Finish Festival – Jobs include food tent attendant, volunteer check-in, information tent attendant and trash detail.
Volunteers must be at least 12 years old and if under 16 years old must be accompanied by an adult. For information on volunteer opportunities, call 910-908-5977.
Cahill shared that the event is open both to military and civilians.
“Whether you're participating in the race, whether you are volunteers, whether you're a spectator, we really encourage everyone to come out,” she said.
Registration for the All American Races must be completed online and ends March 21st at 7 p.m., or when sold out. The event is open to children as well, providing they are registered and are at least 16 years old if they are participating in the half marathon. The 5k course is stroller-friendly, and participants pushing a stroller will be asked to use the stroller line-up to ensure safety.
There are a variety of sponsorship opportunities for businesses that wish to support the All American Races. According to the MWR website, sponsors can choose advertising options that include a finish chute banner or mile-marker road sign, as well as participate in the Finish Fest and interact with the Fort Bragg community.
Packet pick-up is on March 21, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Hodge Room at the Iron Mike Conference Center.
Visit bragg.army.mwr.com for more details on registration, volunteering, or advertising.