There are a lot of fall races to choose from, but few have the social impact of the Volition America series. Finds’ friend, Liv, ran the Volition America Half Marathon in June and she asked me to check the organization out. She was truly moved by the mission of the race organizers to raise money to support Folds of Honor.
The race series was created by Major Dan Rooney, a USAF Fighter Pilot and founder of the Folds of Honor Foundation. Volition America raises funds to provide families of fallen soldiers with scholarships. These races empower runners to help support families of America’s fallen and wounded soldiers. The series started in 2015 with races in Chicago, Atlanta, Charlotte, Pensacola, & Orlando.
Major Rooney says,
“Volition America celebrates the universal truth that choices matter. Our daily decisions hold the power to shape our character and enrich the lives of those around us. Together, we are athletes and patriots, determined to push our physical limits and tangibly help extremely deserving Americans. We are keenly aware of this one life we’ve been given and pledge to do a profound level of good with it.”
Major Rooney is a PGA professional golfer, so he started Folds of Honor with a golf event. Some of the participants were so moved by the mission that they worked with him to develop the running race series to expand the reach. The race slogan is “a stronger America at every finish line.”
The next Chicago race is September 11, 2016 at 7 AM on the Chicago lakefront. The races passes the Museum Campus, Shedd Aquarium, Soldier Field, McCormick Place and 31st Street Beach. The finish festival is at Arvey Field. All Half Marathon and 5K runners receive a Volition America Technical T-shirt and a finisher medal. You get an extra medal for running a PR or running another Volition Race. Wear Blue to Remember will be joining Volition America in Chicago at mile 2. Here are the details and series FAQs.
Want to run for a great cause? The awesome folks at Volition America have offered one lucky reader a complimentary entry and VIP pass to the September 11 race in Chicago. The race series is sponsored by Garmin, so I will also give away a Garmin VivoFit Activity Tracker for spreading the word about this great event and its cause. The giveaways run through August 28th. Winners will be selected and notified on August 29th. Winners must be 18 years of age or older, US residents and the offer is void where prohibited. Race entry winners must be able to participate on September 11th. Transportation and lodging is not included. The Garmin VivoFit winner does not need to be in Chicago for the race. The prize will be mailed.
You can register for the Volition America races here. Get $7 off of the Chicago 5K or Half Marathon with the code ericafinds. You can follow Volition America on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.
Can’t make it this year? You can support Folds of Honor here or enter the Garmin VivoFit Activity Tracker giveaway by spreading the word about the race series.
Please note: I was not compensated for this post. Volition America is offering the giveaway prizes in exchange for this post. All opinions are my own.