Let's Grow Together 5K

Join us for the SOC Christopher Chambers Memorial 5-Mile Run, a community run dedicated to honoring the life, service, and sacrifice of fallen Navy SEAL SOC Christopher Chambers.

This memorial run is more than a race; it is a moment of remembrance, gratitude, and unity. We come together to memorialize Chris’s legacy, recognize the courage and commitment of those who serve, and raise funds to support his family.

The run will take place at the University of Maryland, following a scenic 5-mile route around the beautiful Lake Artemisia. The course offers a peaceful and reflective setting, allowing participants to run, walk, or ruck in honor of a hero who gave everything in service to others.

This event is open to all runners, walkers, students, service members, families, and supporters, anyone who wishes to show their respect and race in remembrance. Whether you are here to push your limits or take each step with quiet reflection, your presence helps keep Christopher's memory alive and provides meaningful support to those he left behind.

Bio:

Name: Christopher J. Chambers

Branch: USN

Unit: ST3 Charlie Platoon

Station Assigned: Coronado, CA

Hometown: Cheverly, Maryland

Family: Christopher J. Chambers leaves behind his wife, Mikale, and their daughter, Kennedy, along with his parents, Kevin and Lois Chambers, and sister Melanie Flynn.

Fallen on: January 12th, 2024

Christopher J. Chambers, a dedicated Navy SEAL, exemplified courage and selflessness, ultimately giving his life as a member of Charlie Platoon, SEAL Team 3, Leading Petty Officer. A former collegiate swimmer with a strong sense of duty, Chambers dedicated his life to serving his country.

Chambers was a Special Warfare Operator 1st Class, part of the elite SEAL Team 3, based out of Naval Base Coronado. He was known for his dedication, athleticism, and unwavering commitment to his fellow SEALs.

On January 11, 2024, Chambers and his team were conducting a nighttime boarding operation on a vessel illegally transporting weapons in the Arabian Sea. During the operation, Chambers tragically fell into the rough seas. Without hesitation, Special Warfare Operator 2nd Class Nathan Gage Ingram bravely jumped into the turbulent waters to try to save his teammate. Tragically, both SEALs were lost at sea.

Though his life was cut short, Christopher Chambers' heroic actions embody the selfless spirit and unwavering brotherhood that define the Navy SEALs. He is remembered for his dedication to duty, his athletic prowess, and the ultimate sacrifice he made.

Together, we run with purpose.

Together, we remember.

Together, we honor SOC Christopher Chambers.

Who We Are: Healthy Kids Running Series is a five (5) week running program in the spring and fall for kids Pre-K through 8th grade. Each HKRS Series takes place once a week and offers age-appropriate running events including the 50 & 75 yard dashes, the 1/4 mile, the 1/2 mile and the 1 mile run. Kids will earn points for each race they complete based on their finish.

Pricing: The registration fee covers the entire five (5) weeks of the Series which includes race bibs for each week, a runner shirt, a finisher medal and any sponsor giveaways. Registration is non-refundable and non-transferable. Online Early Bird registration increases three weeks prior to the first race event.

Challenger: This Series offers a Challenger Division which is an adaptive 75 yard race for children with disabilities and/or special needs. This allows for parents, siblings, and friends to be on the course with runners to provide support as well as bringing their own supportive devices such as crutches, braces, wheelchairs, etc. to be used by runners.

Makeup Date Information: 5/24/2026

Single Day Racing: Single day race registration opens one hour prior to the start of each race. The registration fee covers one single race to be run on the day of registration. ALL single day registrations should be completed onsite at the race location. Single day racers will have the option to upgrade to the full series (see tab on the left side of the page for instructions). There is a strict no-refund and no-transfer policy.

Awards: All participants receive a medal on Week 5! Trophies will be awarded to the overall top finishers in each of the divisions listed below (broken out by boys and girls respectively):

Pre-K 50 Yard Dash

Pre-K 75 Yard Dash

Kindergarten & 1st Grade

2nd & 3rd Grade

4th & 5th Grade

6th to 8th Grade

Challenger

Share your running photos with our community! Find us on Facebook @HealthyKidsRunning or Instagram @healthykidsrs!

#GetUpandGo

The Rene G. Haley Initiative giving season begins with our Spring Fundraiser.

Please join us for our 4th Annual “I Don’t Give A 5K” walk/run fundraiser on Sunday, April 26.

We always have a great time, and it’s a family-friendly event with competitive participants and exciting results. The race goes on, rain or shine, and we have a great time, no matter the weather.

We aim to raise $10K or more to support our community programs like the RGHI Annual Holiday Toy Drive, Fall School Coat Drive, The Huddle, educational workshops for young adults, and the RGHI college scholarship fund. We continue to give back to the community in remembrance of Rene G. Haley, an avid sportsman participating in swimming, snowboarding, basketball, skateboarding, and flag football events in the DMV. We miss him and continue to honor his life by helping youth and young adults in the community.

Rene wasn’t a runner; as a matter of fact, he “didn’t give a 5K,” but he supported his mother through all her 5K and marathon runs. And he was a fast runner when he had to.

Each year we put on this event as a way to celebrate his birth date, April 30. As the years pass, we continue celebrating his life and unique spirit.

So please come as you are, walk or run, have fun, meet new people, and enjoy the beautiful trail as you support the Rene G. Haley Initiative. If you cannot join us for the 5K (Walk/Run), we would appreciate your donation.

Race Date: Sunday, April 26, 2026

Race BiB Pickup: 8:00 am

Race Start time: 9:00 am

The course begins at the Herbert Wells Ice Rink - Linson Lot to Lake Artemesia and back to the Linson Lot.

Parking is available and free at the Linson Lot

To learn more about Rene G. Haley and the Initiative, please visit our website: https://www.reneghaleyinitiative.org/