🐾🇺🇸 Get Ready to Bolt! The Bulldog Bolt 5K Returns for Year 5 – Friday, July 4, 2026! 🇺🇸🐾
2026 Theme: Honoring All Who Served
Lace up your running shoes, grab your four-legged sidekick, and join us for the 5th Annual Bulldog Bolt 5K & 1-Mile Walk on Friday, July 4, 2026, at beautiful Saelens Park in Durand, Illinois.
This year’s event carries a special mission: Honoring All Who Served. The Bulldog Bolt proudly recognizes the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and the sacrifices they have made for our country.
🇺🇸 All U.S. military veterans are invited to participate in the 2026 Bulldog Bolt FREE of charge.
To support this effort, participants and supporters are encouraged to “Sponsor a Vet” by donating $15, which helps cover the cost of a veteran’s finisher shirt and commemorative medal. It’s a small gesture of appreciation for those who have given so much.
Whether you’re racing for a personal best, walking with family, or running alongside a veteran you’re proud to support, the Bulldog Bolt is about community, gratitude, and celebrating Independence Day together.
Why You Can’t Miss It!
🇺🇸 - Honoring All Who Served – Free race entry for all U.S. military veterans
🐾 - Scenic, dog-friendly course through the heart of Saelens Park
🇺🇸 - Exclusive 2026 Bulldog Bolt T-Shirt & Finisher Medal
🐾 - Sponsor a Vet Program – Donate $15 to honor a veteran participant
🇺🇸 - All proceeds benefit the Durand 4th of July Festival
Register before June 15 to guarantee your official 2026 Bulldog Bolt shirt and finisher medal.
Race Day Details
📅 Date: Friday, July 4, 2026
🕗 Start Time: 8:00 AM
📍 Start & Finish Line: Saelens Park – Durand, Illinois
📦 Race Day Packet Pick-Up: Begins at 7:00 AM at the race site
Celebrate the 4th of July in Durand
Hosted by Anytime Fitness Durand in partnership with DARTS (Durand Area Retailers, Trades & Services), the Bulldog Bolt helps power the Durand 4th of July Festival—one of our community’s most beloved traditions.
Your participation supports a full weekend of patriotic celebration, bringing families, neighbors, and visitors together in Durand each Independence Day.
Don’t Miss the Street Dance!
Kick off the holiday the night before with the Durand Street Dance on Friday, July 3rd, 2026!
📍 Downtown Durand
🕡 Gates Open: 6:30 PM
📦 Early Packet Pick-Up:
Pick up your race packet Friday evening at the Street Dance in front of Anytime Fitness Durand from 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM.
Anytime Fitness is located in Downtown Durand at 422 N Center St, Durand IL 61024
Festival information:
https://www.facebook.com/Durand4thfestival
Stay Connected & Get Race-Ready
Follow us for race updates, training tips from our Anytime Fitness coaches, sponsor highlights, and sneak peeks of this year’s patriotic race swag.
Bulldog Bolt Socials:
https://www.facebook.com/durandbulldogbolt5k
https://www.instagram.com/bulldogbolt5k/
🇺🇸🐾 Let’s make the 2026 Bulldog Bolt our most meaningful year yet as we run in honor of those who served.
Thank you to our incredible community and generous festival sponsors who make events like this possible. We can’t wait to see you at the starting line!