Support local Veterans by participating in the Armed Forces Day 5K sponsored by the Great First District of Ohio, American Legion! This is an event aiming to bring military service members, veterans and community supporters together to raise money to support Veterans of the Great First District of Ohio, American Legion by resourcing continued Americanism programming and scholarships for area high school students. The event will take place between Post 468 in Sylvania and Olanders' Fossil and Sylvan Prairie Parks.

Exciting updates for 2024's race include:

• A discount will be offered to participants for the Operation: Stronger Together 5K in June 2024.
• Prizes will be awarded to randomly selected runners who post a picture of themselves on social media (Facebook and Twitter) who tag @The American Legion-Great FIRST District of Ohio and use the hashtag, #SYLAFD5K (for Sylvania Armed Forces Day 5K).

About our charities:

The Great FIRST District of Ohio, American Legion (GFDOHAL) supports over 7,000 Veterans and their families of Northwest Ohio covering ten counties. The organization is committed to supporting the 4 pillars of the American Legion: Veterans Affairs & Rehabilitation, National Security, Americanism, and Children & Youth. GFDOHAL also supports American Legion baseball, Buckeye Boys State, and provides multiple scholarship opportunities in support of the community. Additionally, the GFDOHAL also records a significant number of volunteer hours and philanthropic donations to local agencies who support the 4 pillars. Thank you for considering participating in the Armed Forces Day 5K to support our organization!

Registration info & t-shirts:

Online registration opens on December 15, 2023. The first early-bird pricing ends on December 31st and the t-shirt guarantee deadline is April 18th. For registrants after this date, shirts will be distributed on a first come, first serve basis. Offline race registration will take place at the American Legion Post in Sylvania, OH (5580 Centennial Rd.) beginning April 1st. Registration fees are non-refundable. For questions, please contact the Race Director at JCafferty87@gmail.com 

Virtual runners:

Sign up to be a “Virtual Runner” to show your support for our local Veterans and receive a t-shirt (guaranteed till April 18th)! If you'd like to have your t-shirt mailed to you, don't forget to purchase a Shipping Tag. If not, you'll be able to pick up your packet and t-shirt at the Sylvania American Legion beginning May 16th.

Packet pick-up information:

(Updated 5/10) There will be no advanced packet pick-up this year. Please check-in on race-day (5/18) at Fossil Park anytime between 7:30am and 9am (start time). Look for the blue American Legion tent!