Salute to Service 5K & 1 Miler

The Salute to Service 5K & 1 Miler is a race held in downtown Suffolk, honoring military service members. Tidewater Striders and RunSomeMo organize the event. The 5K begins at 8 AM, with the 1 Mile starting around 9:15 AM. This format offers both a short, accessible option for runners and walkers, and a standard 5K. Registration is open until 7 AM on race day. The 5K follows a fast, flat downtown course, featuring a water stop near the 1.5-mile point. Awards for the 5K include overall winners, age groups from 12 & Under to 70+, and the top male and female walkers. The 1 Mile also provides age-group awards, from 6 & Under up to 13 & Over. A unique element is the military team competition, where branches compete for the largest team and fastest team. Fastest-team scoring uses the top three men and top three women from each service team. Participants receive a shirt, finishers get medals, and the post-race gathering includes a live band, beer, pizza, snacks, and cold drinks.