Race Krewe Event Organizer

This year's run will take place at Emerald Coast Autism Center located on the campus of Northwest Florida State College, in Niceville, Florida. Packet pick-up begins at 7 am, the race will start promptly at 8 am.

Event details and schedule

250, this landmark event proudly links four decades of local tradition with 250 years of our nation’s enduring spirit of service and sacrifice.

More than just a race, the Gate To Gate is a 4.4-mile journey of remembrance. We run and walk to pay solemn tribute to America’s heroes—the brave men and women from all branches who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. Join Team Eglin and the entire Northwest Florida community as we come together to show our unwavering support for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.

Whether you are a competitive runner striving for a personal best or a family walking in quiet reflection, your presence makes a powerful statement. We invite you to dedicate your journey to a lost loved one, a military hero in your own life, or to all who have served. As we celebrate these incredible milestones, our foundational purpose remains resolute: to honor the fallen and remember their legacy.

We have some fantastic additions that are sure to make this year's event the best one yet:

• Commemorative Medals and Tote Bag Giveaway: The physical medals have arrived, and they are a stunning tribute to the 40th anniversary of the race! To celebrate this milestone, the first 600 paid participants will receive a free commemorative tote.

• Special Guests: We are thrilled to announce that Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime Dog will be making special appearances for photo opportunities with the kids.

• After-Party Entertainment: Close out the Gate to Gate celebration in style at the after-party, located at the East Gate Sports Complex near the Field House Fitness Center. The evening will feature a can’t-miss performance by the incredible Lex B Music. An American Idol alum known for her soulful songwriting and captivating pop/R&B blend, Lex B’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals are sure to create an unforgettable experience. While participants can enjoy complimentary food and beverages, we're also excited to announce that a variety of food trucks will be on-site for additional purchases by participants and their guests.

The Gate to Gate Memorial Run/Walk is a beloved tradition in Northwest Florida, and we are so excited to bring it back for its 40th year. It's a wonderful opportunity for the community to come together to honor our heroes and support our military.

Event details and schedule

Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk

40th Anniversary

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Opening Ceremony | 6:45 am

Running Race Starts | 7:00 am

Walking Race Starts | 7:15 am

Time, Location & Course

The race will be a true gate-to-gate event and held rain or shine on Eglin AFB. Runners start at 7 a.m.; walkers start at 7:15 a.m. All athletes must be finished by 9 a.m. The 4.4-mile course starts near the corner of Hatchee Rd. and Eglin Blvd.), follows Eglin Blvd and ends at the Field House Fitness Center track. There will be red poppies* for participants to drop at the All-Wars Memorial on Eglin Blvd. (*limited supply)

Parking

Parking will be at the Field House Fitness Center. Parking on the west side of Eglin AFB is under review. Participants will be bussed from the Field House Fitness Center parking lot to the start line and must be in place by 6:45 a.m.; it is highly encouraged to arrive early. Parking attendants will be directing traffic to available general parking, handicap parking, and Distinguished Visitors (DV).

Festivities

Please join us at the Field House Fitness Center track for complimentary refreshments for all runners and walkers. The “after-party” details are still being finalized and more details will be added to the website as they are confirmed.

Course Record

The best male and female course record holders:

Michael Green, 2001 - 20:56

Monica O’Reilly, 1993 - 23:33

Registration

Participants who register by April 30 are guaranteed a T-shirt and medal. Registration is limited to the first 1,500 entries. So, sign up early! Non-DoW online registration closes April 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT or when the last online slot is filled.

Feb. 1 - Apr. 19 | $50/person*

Apr. 20-30 | $60/person*

DoW-ONLY Late Registration**

May 1-15 | $60/person*

ONLINE REGISTRATION

DoW-ONLY Same Day**

May 16 | 5:30-6:30 a.m. | $60/person*

Between Field House Fitness Center Track and Bldg 720

Awards: 4.4-Mile Run/Walk

First-place through third-place awards will be given to the following age groups: 12-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+. A link for race results will be posted on the official website and Facebook. Winners may pick up their trophy and a digital photo booth will be available for participants to take their own photos.

The official award ceremony will consist of the Overall 1st – 3rd for Males and Females (Runners and Walkers). The ceremony will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. All other awards will be handed out separately.

Packet Pick-Up*

DoW and Non-DoW Participants

May 8-9, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

May 15, 1 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Zatitude Luxury Apartments

at the Freedom Tech Center

500 Liberty Lane NW, FWB

DoW Participants

May 11-14, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.

May 15, 8 a.m. to 11 a.m.

Main Exchange Food Court

• Photo ID required to pick up a packet.

Late Packet Pick-Up*

Due to time constraints for transporting race participants from the East Gate to the West Gate start, we are unable

Third-Party Pick-Up and Event Day Non-DoD Family/Guests

If you may need a third-party to pick up your packet, please ensure the third-party has a copy or a picture of your valid picture ID.

We welcome runners’/walkers’ family members and/or guests to attend the event as part of your cheer squad. We need all non-DoW family members and/or guests names included during the registration process to be included in the security check.

Registered non-DoW-ID cardholders will be placed on an Entry Authorization Letter (EAL) at the time of registration to allow base access on event day. EAL-Registered non-DoW ID-cardholders may enter through either the East Gate or the West Gate. Any person not included on the EAL will be turned away. Event Day wait times at the gate can be up to 45 minutes. Please plan accordingly.

Important Information

• There will be no cash or check payment options for participants.

• All participants and guests without valid base REAL IDs MUST be pre-registered.

• It is HIGHLY encouraged to pick up your packet before the day of the race and get your pass. Wait times at the gate on race day are subject to be within 45 minutes

• Photo ID is mandatory for base access and packet pick-up.

• There will be NO refunds!

• Due to security issues, the race is subject to change/cancellation (e.g. Force Protection Measure changes).

• Race packets will not be mailed.

• No skates, skateboards, or bicycles are allowed on the course.

• Participants who may be pregnant should consult with your physicians before entering the race.

• Strollers are welcome, service dogs are authorized but NO PETS allowed!

• Participants must be in place the day of the race by 6:45 a.m.

Directions

From the North: Take Hwy 85 South to SR 387, follow the signs for Eglin AFB, and then follow the signs for Gate To Gate parking.

From the West: Take Hwy 85 North or SR 189 to SR 387, follow the signs for Eglin AFB, and then follow the signs for Gate To Gate parking.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR NON-DoW PERSONNEL AND GUESTS

Due to heightened security measures, Eglin Air Force Base (”EAFB”) has changed their base access procedures. All persons gaining access EAFB and materials are subject to search upon request by Security Forces (”SF”) personnel (ARRIVE EARLY). EAFB is a Federal installation and all Federal regulations apply as well as state and local laws.

As such contraband items are not authorized on federal properties to include: firearms, open or concealed; knives with blades in excess of 3 inches in length; or any possible weapons of any type; explosives, ammunition, incendiaries or fireworks of any type; and no illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. In addition, limit backpacks or large hand carried items to minimally necessary.

Please review below and provide requested information for race participation. In accordance with the Eglin Air Force Base Integrated Defense Plan Annex W, Section III, Chapter 1, all Non-sDoW ID cardholders will be checked (vetted) through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) before being issued an installation entry pass or badge. Disclosure of this information is voluntary; however, declining to submit required information will result in registrants and guests being denied access to Eglin Air Force Base.

from the 6th Ranger Training Battalion. The course features a mix of sand, gravel, dirt, and pavement, testing endurance across varied terrain. The race is open to all ages and those who are unable to run are welcome to walk.

All participants will receive a commemorative T-shirt, and top finishers will be awarded a unique Ranger medal.

Following the race, all runners and spectators are invited to enjoy our open house festivities, listed below.

Time and Location

Race begins promptly at 0800 CST 16 May, 2026 at The Gator Lounge: 6069 Walkers Lane Eglin AFB, FL 32542.

Race check-in will begin at 0700. Please arrive no later than 0730.

Course Description

The course begins at the Gator Lounge, starting with approximately one mile of pavement. It then transitions into three miles of trails through deep Florida sand and loose dirt, before finishing with a final quarter-mile uphill sprint back to the Gator. The course runs through the Ranger training area, giving you the opportunity to take on the same terrain that Ranger students have faced for years!

Parking

Free parking will be available around Camp Rudder.

Directions

The primary and only paved access route into Camp Rudder begins in Fort Walton Beach at the intersection of Lewis Turner Boulevard and Nine Mile Road. From there, continue on Nine Mile Road and turn left onto Five Mile Road. Follow Five Mile Road until you reach Three Mile Road, then turn right. Three Mile Road leads directly to Camp James E. Rudder.

Festivities

All race the ranger participants are welcome to join the open house following the race which will include:

• Live Reptile Show

• Airborne Ranger Parachutist Demonstration

• Rangers in Action close combat and combatives demonstration

• Car Show

• Food Trucks

INFORMATION FOR NON-DoW PERSONNEL AND GUESTS

Due to heightened security measures, Eglin Air Force Base has changed their base access procedures. All persons gaining access EAFB and materials are subject to search upon request by Security Forces personnel. EAFB is a Federal installation and all Federal regulations apply as well as state and local laws.

As such contraband items are not authorized on federal properties to include: firearms, open or concealed; knives with blades in excess of 3 inches in length; or any possible weapons of any type; explosives, ammunition, incendiaries or fireworks of any type; and no illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia.

The History of Camp James E. Rudder and The 6th Ranger Training Battalion:

6th Ranger Training Battalion Camp James E. Rudder is the final stage of the nine-week Army Ranger course that starts at Fort Moore, GA., and continues in the mountains of northern Georgia. After parachuting into Camp Rudder, the students spend 18 days learning small unit tactics and waterborne operations, including stream crossings. The Ranger course is designed to develop military leaders who are physically and mentally tough and self-disciplined. It challenges them to think, act, and react effectively under stress approaching that found in combat. 6th Ranger Training Battalion's mission is to develop the leadership and combat functional skills of future ground combat leaders by making them conduct missions in a tactically realistic environment under physical and mental stresses that approach those found in combat. Included in the field training exercises are airborne and helicopter assaults, small boat operations, river crossings, and swamp movements. Leadership skills are taxed when

conducting small unit operations in a simulated combat environment by the daily challenges students encounter including severe weather, swampy terrain, periods of sleep and food deprivation, mental and physical fatigue, as well as emotional stress. The 6th Ranger Training Battalion's parent organization is the Airborne and Ranger Training Brigade located at Fort Moore, Georgia.

The Florida Ranger Camp was established November 15, 1951 by, then, MAJ Arthur "Bull" Simons who was named the Commander of the Amphibious/Jungle Training Committee at Auxiliary Field Seven, which was the initial location of the Camp. Colonel Simons was later the Commander of the prisoner of war rescue attempt on Son Tay, North Vietnam. The Florida Ranger Camp remained at Field 7 for 20 years until it was moved to Field 6 in January 1970. In June 1974, the Florida Ranger Camp as officially renamed Camp James E. Rudder in honor of MG James E. Rudder, who commanded the 2d Ranger Battalion when it scaled the cliffs at Pointe Du Hoc, France, during the 1944 D-Day Normandy invasion.

Event details and schedule

and a run that wraps around the sidewalk of Sims Park.

**Phinman XL Ages 10-14 Start Time 8:00 AM

Swim 100 yards

Bike 2.8 miles

Run 0.83 mile

Phinman JR Ages 6-9 Start Time 8:45 AM

Swim 50 yards

Bike 1.8 miles

Run 0.4 mile**

For more information, please call 251-968-4420, email us at [email protected], or visit www.gulfshoresal.gov/phinman.

Event details and schedule