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We are back again! Celebrating! our 12th Annual Cookie Classic Run. We welcome participants of ALL Abilities to join us for this run/jog/walk family friendly event as we launch the 2026 cookie season and as runners kick off for their 2026 race season! **
All distances are out and back, on the flat and fast asphalt at Chesapeake's Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, with Girl Scout Cookies waiting for you at the finish!
Participant Categories: 1miler, 5k (3.1miles), 10k (6.2miles) , Do-Si-Don't Show Virtual Run
NEW NEW NEW: CONQUERING THE COOKIE - Event Series offering new exploration & fun outdoorsFEATURES:
By 10/15/2025: guaranteed choice of FULL-SIZED box of cookies provided ONLY after finishing at finish line **
By 11/1/2025: guaranteed choice of T-shirt sizing ** AND name within design on the back of the T-shirt
In-person Event Chesapeake, VA: chipped timing AND access to professional photographs (digital images available free of charge) &finisher certificates
1milers: patch finisher gift
5K and 10K (Surprise) finisher gift
5k and 10k Age placed Awards
New: Conquering the Cookie Event Series: finisher gift
The Cookie Classic Run is a celebration of Girl Scouts, Girl Scout families, and all who support the Girl Scout mission of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place!
**registrations after deadline dates listed above: cookie choice and Tshirt sizing availability is on a first come, first serve basis and until quantities run out. YOU WILL have access to see quantity availability during the registration process.
***We kindly acknowledge and inform participants that 4 legged family/friend are not permitted unless they are certified service animals.
For questions, please contact the race team at [email protected]
EVENT OVERVIEW:
10K, 20K & 30K Saturday, February 28, 2026 8:30 AM At Dismal Swamp Canal Trail, 1246 Dismal Canal Trail, Chesapeake. There are no refunds. Everyone will start at 8:30.
Race Courses:
Begin and finish at the entrance to the Dismal Swamp Canal Trail. 10K runners and walkers will go out to the 5K turnaround (3.1 miles) and return to the finish line. The 20K and 30K runners and walkers will go out to the 10K turnaround (6.2 miles) and return to the finish line, where the 20K participants will be done, while the 30K participants, after crossing the timing mats will go back out to the 5K turnaround and return to the finish line completing the 30K. Finish line closure is based on a 15 minute per mile and will close at 1:15. Early start, 8:15AM, for 30K walkers/slow runners ONLY may be arranged by contacting [email protected].
After Race Parties:
After race party is Tap It Local, 648 Grassfield Pkwy, #12, Chesapeake 23323 just 3 1/2 miles from the start/finish line in the Wal-Mart shopping center
Directions:
Dismal Swamp Canal Trail:, Trail Start, Old Route 17 and George Washington Hwy, Chesapeake, VA 23323 just off Rt 17. GPS tracking 1246 Dismal Canal Trail, Chesapeake, VA.
Inclement Weather: The Race Director and the Tidewater Striders reserve the right to cancel or reschedule or adjust distances as needed in the interest of safety or access restrictions to the venue.
Registration closes at 9:00 PM the Friday before each event. You may pick up your race number starting at 7:15 to 8:20 AM race morning at the start/finish line. Early packet pickup will be at Running Etc., Hilltop Location on Friday, February 27 starting at 4:00 to 6:00.
Distance Series 3 20k and 30k is a Strider Running Grand Prix.
The 10k is a walker Grand Prix.
The Professional Fire Fighters of Chesapeake, IAFF Local 2449, cordially invite you to our 12th Annual Mustache March Madness and our 3rd Annual RUCK CANCER Walk/Run!
PLEASE NOTE - the Event Location has changed to BELLS MILL PARK in Chesapeake, VA this year!
RUCK Registration/Packet Pickup – 07:30 (day of only)
RUCK Start Time – 09:00
Post-Race Cookout Ends - 13:00
Entry Fee - $45
Fee includes:
Custom RUCK Cancer Race T-shirt and Post-Ruck Cookout provided by the Kiwanis Club of Chesapeake!
You must register by 2/21/2026 to be guaranteed a RUCK Cancer Race T-shirt!
RUCK Distances:
Short – 5K
Long – 10K
Like a traditional RUCK, we encourage all participants to wear a ruck sack or 35 pound weighted vest. If you do not have your own RUCK, we have 35 CFD SCBA’s available to use. Please click on the link here to reserve an SCBA to use for the day!
No RUCK/SCBA is necessary to participate though, we encourage participants to support our cause by enjoying fellowship and walking the course as well.
1st Place Overall Male & Female of the 10K RUCK win a prize! Must be wearing a SCBA, 35-pound Weighted Vest, or 35-pound RUCK Sack
1st Place Male and Female of the 10K RUCK wearing a 35-pound RUCK Sack win a prize!
ABOUT THE CAUSE
In 2014, members of the Chesapeake Fire Department and the Professional Fire Fighters of Chesapeake, Local 2449, began an annual tradition called Mustache March Madness. We sold t-shirts to support local firefighters and their family's battling cancer. Over the last 12 years, we have supported our brothers and sisters by raising money every March and donating funds to those affected throughout the year.
In 2024, we created the RUCK Cancer Walk/Run as a creative way to exercise and raise funds for these firefighters! In the two years since we started the RUCK, we have had 437 RUCKERS participate and have donated $27,600 to 19 firefighter families across Hampton Roads!
March 21, 2026 marks our 12th Annual Mustache March Madness and our 3rd annual RUCK Cancer Walk/Run!
DONATIONS
Unable to participate, but still want to contribute? Click on the "Donate" tab at the top of our race website to support our members!
SPONSORS
Thank you to the organizations and businesses that have sponsored us in building this event through their time, effort, and financial contributions. See their links below to learn more about these organizations committed to supporting Mustache March Madness, RUCK Cancer, and the Professional Fire Fighters of Chesapeake, Local 2449.
Interesting in becoming a sponsor, email: [email protected]
USA Swimming Club. Club Excellence: Bronze. Safe Sport Recognized. 586 members.