Luck of the Irish

Join Us for the 2nd Annual Stars and Stripes Honor Run & Walk!

Lace up and take part in an unforgettable morning of movement, meaning, and mission. The Stars and Stripes Honor Run & Walk is more than a 5K—it’s a chance to honor our nation’s heroes, support life-changing journeys for our veterans, and come together as a community with purpose.

Held at Veterans Park on Milwaukee’s lakefront, this scenic and symbolic course welcomes runners, joggers, and walkers of all ages and paces. Proceeds directly support Stars and Stripes Honor Flight, helping send veterans on a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Washington, D.C. to be honored for their service.

This is a race you’ll remember—not just for the views or the finish line, but for the impact.

If you’re running in memory of someone, we’re running with you. Participants will have a special opportunity to honor loved ones and heroes as part of the event.

📅 Sunday, August 23, 2026

📍 Veterans Park | Milwaukee, WI

Join us in making a difference for our nation's most deserving.

Run course | Walk Course

Instructions for Participants

While the run and walk share the same start/finish line, the courses are different.

• Walk Course: Turn left, head to the end of the pier, then return directly to the finish line.

• Run Course: Turn right, follow the path around the lagoon, then proceed to the end of the pier and on to the finish line.

• These course differences are designed to reduce congestion at the start line.

For everyone’s safety: Please do not walk or run more than two abreast.

Walkers & rollers: Runners will be passing from behind—please stay to the right.

In memory of Grant Heffelfinger, Milwaukee Gay Sports Network is honored to host our annual Big Gay 5K Run/Walk.

Milwaukee Gay Sports Network is honored to partner with the Heffelfinger Family to host our annual 5K Run/Walk! In memory of Grant Heffelfinger, the event will be held on September 27, 2026 at 10:00 AM at Veterans Park.

Once again, we will be officially Sanctioned by USA Track & Field.

Registration will open at 9:00 AM with the run starting at 10:00 AM.

Early registration - Friday, August 7, $35*

General registration - through race day by 9:00 AM, $45**

Get a team together and save (4 or more needed)

*T-shirts for early bird registration runners will be ready to pick up at registration the day of the event in the size indicated online.

**T-shirts are not guaranteed after early bird registration

Don’t miss Milwaukee’s most colorful run/walk – The Grant Heffelfinger Memorial Big Gay 5K.

Begin your winter running season with meaning at the Vets Day 5K & 10K presented by Cargill & hosted by Silver Circle on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at the War Memorial. This special event honors our veterans and active-duty service members and is part of the Wisconsin Chilly Willy Winter Run Series. Join hundreds of runners as you make your way through the beautiful Veterans Park in the only race that starts and finishes on Mason Street, right in front of the War Memorial. After the race, stick around for the awards ceremony and treat yourself to our hot chocolate bar.

Operation Finally Home

The Vets Day 5K & 10K is also proud to partner with Silver Circle Foundation to help raise money for Operation Final Home. Operation Finally Home was established in 2005 and builds custom, mortgage-free homes to America’s veterans and their families. All money donated as part of registration for this race will be donated to Operation Finally Home to help support their mission.