4 running events in Ross Township, Michigan

The Aqua Dash returns for 2026! The Aqua Dash is a 20-minute indoor swim followed by a 20-minute run on treadmills. For the experienced triathlete, the Aqua Dash is a great complement to your off-season triathlon training, providing you with an opportunity to test your skills. It is also the perfect event for those new to multi-sport events; offering an exciting, encouraging, and non-intimidating environment.

THE RACE

The event will be organized in waves of 6 participants. The first wave will begin at 7:30 am, with the following waves beginning every 25 minutes. At your designated start time, you will begin with a 20-minute swim in our indoor pool. After the swim, run to the finish line with 20 minutes on the treadmills.

THE TRANSITION

You are allowed 5 minutes to transition from the pool to the treadmill.

POST RACE

Enjoy a pancake breakfast in the Games Room after the event! The awards ceremony will begin as soon as the final wave has been completed.

WHAT TO BRING

Swim: swimming suit, goggles, swim cap, towel

Run: run apparel, socks, running shoes

Optional: shower items and/or change of clothes for after the event

OTHER

Registered participants of the Aqua Dash receive an event t-shirt, post-event Pancake Breakfast, and use of the Sherman Lake YMCA on the day of the event.

Event t-shirts can only be guaranteed for those who register by February 22, 2026.

The 177th Regional Training Institute (RTI) MIARNG is excited to announce its fourth annual Fort Custer ‘Defender’ 5K. The event will be held on Saturday, the 2nd of May 2026 and is open to the public (race form registration needed for access). Come out and join the 5k run/walk on our route here at beautiful Fort Custer Training Center, located in Augusta, MI. This is a family friendly event, and all abilities are welcome to participate. The Fort Custer Museum will be open until noon along with a military vehicle display.

Participants: Maximum number of participants will be limited to 250

Price: 5k run/walk is a $35 entry fee.

Route: The course is a flat, paved route that travels around the main part of Fort Custer and into a short section of the training area. A water station is available at the crossroads of 26th and Armstrong allowing access to water just prior to 1 mile and just after 2 miles on the course. Please note that the course is all on 2 lane roads which are still open for vehicle travel. Strollers are allowed but please no pets.

Swag: All participants will receive a finishers medal (new design from past races) and new this year is running socks. Socks are not guaranteed for those registered after 15 April 2024.

Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsors:

• NGAM (National Guard Association of Michigan)

• Uecker Consulting, LLC

• Spartan Nash

Packet Pickup: Day of race packet pickup only. Packet pickup & registration will be along Custers First Stand located on the Northeast corner of the parking area. Gates open at 0700 for entry and packet pickup. Restrooms are available inside the All-Ranks Club and inside the Fort Custer Education Center (FCEC).

Schedule: Run/walk will begin at 0900. Award ceremony will be held at 1015.

Results: Results will be live during the race and posted on this website. The race will be professionally timed by Epic Timing.

Awards: Winners will be awarded for the following gender M/F and age groups:

• 13 and under

• 14-18

• 19-25

• 26-35

• 36-45

• 46-55

• 56+

Award ceremony will be held following the race in the military vehicle display area on the Southeast corner of the parking area at 1015.

Parking: Once cleared of the gate proceed straight thru the first stop sign (Armstrong Road) then turn left at the second stop sign (Harmonia Road). Proceed to the FCEC parking lot on the right. NOTE: Wayne road will be blocked as will the entrance to the parking lot from Wayne Road. Registration/check-in will be along Custers First Stand in the Northeast corner.

Proceeds go to the 177th Regiment RTI MWR and Ft Custer All Ranks Club which provides support and services to Soldiers of Fort Custer

A note about the location: The gated entrance utilized to gain access to Ft Custer Training Center is located at crossroads of Denso Road and Clark Road, Augusta MI. Allow time for entry to the installation. This event is located on an active military installation; all vehicles are subject to search upon entry. Personally owned weapons are not authorized. Marijuana is not allowed on military installations. Violators will be barred from entry.