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By DAVE DOMESCIK | Staff Writer

MONTEVALLO – This Memorial Day, the American Village will host a 5K honoring America’s fallen heroes with every step taken by runners and walkers in the event.

The Because of the Brave 5K will begin at 7 a.m. on Monday, May 26, and will feature a unique and meaningful format—participants must carry a 2 foot by 3 foot American flag throughout the entire course. The event, which is in its first year, is a partnership between American Village and The Running Birds.

“We love this country and all of us enjoy the freedom of living in the United States of America,” said Melanie Poole, the American Village’s communications officer. “However, the freedom we enjoy came at a price. The Because of the Brave 5K is truly about reflecting on this sacrifice that was made by so many of our heroes. This event is not about you and therefore is not a race. You can run or walk at whatever pace you would like, but this is not a timed 5K event.”

A portion of each entry fee at the race goes to supporting the American Village’s educational mission and the Alabama National Cemetery, which is adjacent to the historic site.

The race’s route is designed to provoke reverence and remembrance amongst participants, as it winds through some of the American Village’s iconic and symbolic features, including the National Veterans Shrine, Colonial Chapel, Washington Hall, Independence Hall and along the Freedom Trail, lined with monuments to military service. The entire course is paved, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.

“The course consists of a 1.55-mile loop and will be clearly marked with patriotic flags,” Poole said. “Runners and walkers must complete the loop twice to finish the course and complete the 5K distance.”

Participants will receive their flags to carry at packet pickup, which begins at 5:30 a.m., and will trade them in at the finish line for a custom challenge coin—a military tradition and symbolic keepsake of the event’s message.

“Challenge coins are commonly exchanged within the military,” Poole said. “Another way to honor the brave is to keep this tradition. This challenge coin will be something you can take away from this event as a reminder of the freedom we have because of the brave.”

Before and after the 5K, attendees will have the opportunity to honor their loved ones more personally by writing a veteran’s name on a special memorial flag that will be displayed at each future Because of the Brave 5K.

“I believe the run will be one of commemoration and remembrance,” Poole said. “It will be somber yet uplifting at the same time. What our veterans did for us can’t be forgotten, and we have to live our lives in a way that honors their sacrifice.”

For those not participating in the event, donations beyond registration are encouraged, and all proceeds will directly support veteran-focused programs at both sites.

“Friends and family members are invited to come and cheer the runners and walkers on and take part in honoring our country’s veterans,” Poole said. “We certainly encourage everyone to attend the Memorial Day Ceremony at 9 a.m. at the Alabama National Cemetery and the Chapel service at American Village at 11 a.m. Admission is free on Memorial Day at American Village.”

Col. Alan B. Miller, the American Village’s president and CEO, hopes that the event will become an annual tradition, and an enduring one at that.

“This run is more than a race,” Miller said. “It’s a meaningful way for our community to come together in gratitude, supporting both the mission of American Village and the sacred ground of the Alabama National Cemetery. Every step we take is a reminder that our freedom has come at a great cost—and it is because of the brave that we live free.”

For more information on the American Village and the Because of the Brave 5K, visit Americanvillage.org.