2 events in Branson, Missouri

Branson's Great Bacon Race is an event combining America's favorite food (BACON) and our favorite form of athleticism (RUNNING)! All to sponsor MISSIONS. Aid stations and finish line will be stocked and full of delicious BACON! We offer a 5K and Half Marathon. All finishers will receive a unique bacon themed finisher medal and BACON t-shirt. Basically BACON Be Everywhere! There is so much BACON it’s BACON Me Crazy!

VIRTUAL RACE OPTION INFORMATION:

What is a Virtual Race? A virtual race is a race that can be run anywhere. Participants can run or walk the race distance wherever they want during the designated race period, even indoors on a treadmill.

How does a virtual race work? Simply register for our race complete the distance any time and anywhere you desire (even on a treadmill!) by the race date.

Who can participate? Anyone! Young or old, fast or slow – we encourage participants of all ability levels.

Can I walk? Do I have to complete the entire distance all at once? We encourage you to run as much of it as you can, but walking is okay! Most participants complete their run all at once, but we understand that not everyone is able to complete a 5k in one outing. So set your goal – whatever that may be – and go out and accomplish it! If that means you need to break up your run into multiple segments, so be it.

What if I can’t complete my run during the race period? It's okay, we understand that life happens. We still encourage you to complete the distance as soon as you can. We will mail medals to all registrants after the event date.

How do I track my distance and time? The most accurate way to do this is by using a Running GPS watch, but there are also several free smartphone apps available for iPhones and Android phones that you can use.

When will I receive my medal? We will ship all medals the 2 weeks following the race date.

Event details and schedule

Race Course: The race course follows the trails by Table Rock Lake beginning at the Dewey Short Visitor Center. 5K will be a one point turn around.

The Half Marathon will begine at 7:30 AM and the 5K will begin at 8:00 AM.

This is a race for Charity and no refunds will be given in the case of weather cancellation.

Sponsored by Branson Veterans of America 913 (BVA913) to honor our Veterans. This race helps to raise money for veterans that are in need.

The Branson Veterans of America 913 is a not-for-profit corporation dedicated to support all American veterans, focusing on helping veterans and their families from all areas of service. We do this by:

1. Promoting honor to all who have patriotically served our country in any of the Armed Forces of the United States of America through organization and support of public gatherings and ceremonies.

2. Supporting education of patriotism, duties of citizenship, and honor of our Flag through the organization’s scholarship program, support and encouragement of local educational institutions for patriotic education, and individual conduct within the communities.

3. Assisting fellow veterans and their families through physical and economic response to special needs, encouragement and support for a healthy lifestyle, and a sense of community.

4. Working in partnership with local government and private agencies to assure an environment for safe and secure living for all veterans and their families.

BRANSON VETERANS OF AMERICA 913 VISION STATEMENT:

The Branson Veterans of America 913 vision is to be a prominent organization for ensuring veterans of all eras are respected for their service and for promoting honor for the United States of America.

Location: Dewey Short Visitors Center, 4500 State Hwy 165 Branson, MO

Packet Pickup Friday 5-7pm. Race day registration from 6:00 to 6:30am. (Located at the beginning of the running trail)

Half Marathon will begin at 6:45am – 5K will begin at 7:30am

Race Course: Dewey Short Visitors Center to Lakeshore Trail to State Park Marina

(Asphalt surfaced trail)

Fast, out & back course; with a scenic view of Table Rock Lake every step of the way!

• 5K will be one loop of 3.1 miles & Half Marathon is 3 loops of 4.36 miles each

Information: Race Director -Dennis James. Please use the "Questions" button below.

To be sure you will receive the race t-shirt, you must register no later than May 25,2026.

We encourage participants to join us in our efforts to raise funds for the support of our mission. See the fundraising tab on this website. We will present the runners whose fundraising income for the each of the races are the highest with a $25 store discount certificate at Fleet Feet Springfield.

Awards for each race: Trophies to Overall Male & Female; Overall Masters Male & Female (40 and above)

Age group awards (Male & Female) 14 & under, 15-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60+

All participants receive a finisher’s medal.

Awards for 5K will be at 8:30am, Half Marathon awards will be after the last runner comes across the finish line.

All race proceeds will go to the Local Branson BVA 913 Chapter. (All payments are final, no refunds are allowed.)