Fighting the Fight Within 5K
Our Purpose
Fighting the Fight Within 5K (FFW) is an event we bring to the community to not only honor and remember those that have lost their battle within, but to take up a torch in their memory to continue raising awareness about veteran suicide and the struggles our service men and women face. On average, 22 veterans take their own lives every day – that adds up to over 8,000 per year. Raising awareness in the community leads to action. That action can better the lives of our veterans and reduce the stressors that can sometimes be too much to bear. Together we can be beacons of light for those struggling with suicidal thoughts, showing them the path towards healing and a brighter future.
Funds raised will help support our outreach center (Belay My Last Barracks), transitional housing project, the Staff Sergeant Drew Kostic Veterans’ Scholarship at Northwestern Michigan College, and allow us to continue to offer free programs, resources, and support to our local area veterans.
About the Run
FFW is made up of a cross-country timed trail run and a 2-mile tribute walk which takes place on a course designed and built by Veterans Serving Veterans, Inc. (VSV) at their Community Park in Cadillac, Michigan. It is set on a beautiful piece of property through meadows and woods with various points of remembrance along the way. VSV is a nonprofit that honors and serves those who have served and protected at home and abroad. For more information about this organization and their mission, visit the VSV website at www.vetsservingvets.org.
We welcome everyone to come out and challenge themselves to run a 5K or take a 2-mile tribute walk. Bring your family, friends, or co-workers to run or walk together. Feel free to dress in patriotic colors, or wear a shirt to represent a military branch or in memory of someone you’ve lost. Make this your yearly family event!
Annual 5K Take a Hike
Help Fight the Fight
BELAY MY LAST BARRACKS - 5210 E. Boardman Rd., South Boardman, MI
Come hike a 5K with us around South Boardman to help raise awareness about veteran suicide and the inner struggles of men and women that have served our country.
Join us for a day of community and grab some food from local food truck(s) when you are finished hiking. This is a free event.
SCHEDULE
We will start and finish at the Barracks
2:00 pm check-in
2:30 pm Opening Ceremony
3:00 pm Hike Step-off
