General Information FAQs
The DAV 5K is a fast, flat and family-friendly race to support our local Massachusetts veterans. We welcome runners, walkers and wheelchair athletes of all abilities to come join us! Race your way around DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island, with great views of Boston Harbor and the city skyline, and then strike a pose when you finish! #VetsRunBoston
The DAV 5K Boston is located at DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island in South Boston.
DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island
2010 William J Day Blvd
Boston, MA 02127 US
The 2025 DAV 5K Boston is on Saturday, November 8, 2025. The start time is at 10:00am EST, and the end time of the event is 2:00pm EST.
The DAV 5K Boston proudly offers FREE registration for veterans to participate. Veteran participants have the opportunity to purchase a runner shirt for $17.50.
Participation in the DAV 5K Boston or the DAV 1 Mile walk is $48. There is an additional $8 shipping fee as all race kits are shipped before race day, so you can arrive dressed and ready to go! There is a small service fee for processing your race application.
The registration pricing page can be found here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Though we do have great veteran participation for the DAV 5K Boston, you do not have to be a veteran to participate! We encourage all people to participate this wonderful cause and support our local Massachusetts veterans on Veterans Day Weekend. Come run or walk with us!
Here is the link to register for the DAV 5K Boston: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Yes! The 2025 DAV 5K Boston is on pace to sell out all registrations. We highly encourage you to register quickly to secure your spot on the start line in November.
The DAV 5K Boston has sold out the last 4 years and we anticipate additional community interest in celebrating the 10th Anniversary edition in November 2025.
From the Berkshires to Provincetown, funds raised through the DAV 5K Boston go to the DAV Department of Massachusetts services that support our local veterans.
Read more about the DAV Department of Massachusetts impact here: https://davma.org/
To donate to the DAV, go here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
DAV stands for Disabled American Veterans. It is a program that helps more then 1 million veterans every year access the healthcare, disability, employment, education, and financial benefits they have earned. They help to change the lives of veterans and empower them to lead high quality lives with respect and dignity.
To learn more about the DAV Department of MA and local services, please visit: https://davma.org/
In 2025, we look forward to returning to DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island to celebrate Veterans Day weekend together on November 8 for the 10th Annual DAV 5K Boston! Race with us on one of the "fastest and flattest" race courses and stay for our famous "post-race feast" in South Boston.
We are thrilled to be back at DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island and cannot wait to see you and all of our DAV 5K Boston friends and family on Veterans Day weekend. The DAV 5K Boston race committee is working with our municipal partners at the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, the DCR, State Police and the City of Boston to ensure a safe and responsible family-friendly event experience.
The DAV 5K Boston is a run, walk or roll that thanks those who served and raises awareness of the issues our ill and injured veterans face every day. This event helps further the mission of the DAV Department of Massachusetts to ensure our injured heroes are not alone on their road to recovery.
The race management for the DAV 5K Boston is provided by TRACS, Inc. The TRACS team has proudly partnered with the DAV Department of Massachusetts since 2019.
For more information about the TRACS team, please visit the TRACS website.
Participation & Donation FAQs
If you are interested in being a race ambassador for the DAV 5K Boston, please contact events@tracs.net and we are happy to connect.
Every registrant will receive their personal referral code and when 5 regisrants use your code, then you earn a $20 refund to your registration. Invite your friends, family and colleagues to join you and start saving!
Yes! Your long-sleeve maroon DAV 5K Boston runner shirt will be mailed in your runner kit if you selected a runner shirt as part of your registration. Size availability is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed.
You may bring your runner shirt with you on race morning to see if there are any runners who would like to swap sizes. Size availability is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed.
Yes, upon crossing the finish line on race day official finishers will receive a 10th Anniversary DAV 5K Boston Medal featuring DCR Fort Independence in the design!
Wear your medal proudly in our post-race celebration and take your finisher photo at the photo booth!
We're sorry you aren't able to participate with us! Unfortunately we cannot mail medals or race shirts after the race has concluded.
Race packets will be mailed to registered participants beginning in mid-October. All registrants who submit their registration prior to Thursday, October 23 will receive their race kits prior to race day. If you have not received your bib number by race day, please come to the Runner Solution tent and we will assign a new bib on race morning.
Yes, you are more than welcome to participate in a wheelchair or handcycle. Please make sure to select how you will be participating when you are registering and we will provide additional details on race day support as the race approaches.
Here is the link to register for the event: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Yes! They are welcome to join in on the fun at the DAV 5K Boston! Registration can be found on this page: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
If you do not want to participate in the race itself, you are more than welcome to donate directly to the DAV MA, spectate or volunteer on race day!
Yes! We love having the energy and enthusiasm of our local community supporting the DAV 5K Boston and the Massachusetts veteran community. Come celebrate Veterans Day Weekend with us at the DAV 5K Boston at DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island.
Yes, groups and teams are a very poular option and are more than welcome to register! There can be as many participants as they would like! Here is the direct link to where you can register with a team: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/85815
Race Day Bonus: If your team has more than 20 members, you will have a reserved tent for your team.
Yes! To inquire about corporate teams for the DAV 5K Boston, please email events@tracs.net.
If your team has 20 or more participants, then your team will have a reserved tent for your team on race day.
Yes! We love to capture the DAV 5K Boston community in action, from the opening ceremonies, to the joy of racing together to the post-race celebrations, our photography team is on-ste to capture the energy and support for our veteran community. If you see them on race day, thank them for their services!
To see the 2024 photo gallery, go here: https://tracsinc.pixieset.com/dav5kboston2024/
The DAV Department of Massachusetts is committed to making a year-round difference for our veterans here in the Commonwealth.
To help your fellow veterans here in Massachusetts, please consider making a donation to DAV Department of Massachusetts here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Please go here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MA/Boston/dav5kboston to search for individual or team fundraisers.
Please see the details on this page: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Donations of $50 will receive DAV 5K Boston sunglasses
Donations of $100 will receive a DAV 5K Boston sweatshirt
Donations of $150+ will receive both the DAV 5K Boston sweatshirt and the sunglasses
If you wish to make a offline donation, please send a check to:
Disabled American Veterans
State House, Room 546
Boston, MA 02133
For memorial donations, please write the name of the individual(s) being honored and remembered on the check.
The donation leaderboard is located here: https://runsignup.com/Race/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Please consider making a donation to the DAV 5K Boston here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Registration FAQs
Please register here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=85815&eventId=923515
We're excited that you are joining the DAV 5K Boston community!
Yes, you can log into your RunSignup account that you created for the DAV 5K Boston race, and edit any of the registration items.
As all participants acknowledge during registration, entry fees to the DAV 5K Boston are non-refundable, non-transferable, and non-deferable except for deferral requests made through the DAV 5K Boston's pregnancy and postpartum deferment policy. Only those who elect to purchase registration insurance may be eligible for refunds.
Please know that your race fee is going to make a big difference for DAV Department of Massachusetts veteran programs.
Participants will have the opportunity to purchase registration protection at the point of registration. Participants who elected to purchase registration insurance will be able to have entry fees refunded for multiple reasons including loss of job, pregnancy, illness, and injury. Refunds may only be eligible for those who purchase the insurance policy at the point of registration.
Massachusetts registrants who submit their registration prior to Thursday, October 23 will receive the DAV 5K Boston race kit in the mail prior to Veterans Day Weekend. For registrations after Thursday, October 23 or registrants outside of Massachusetts, race kits will be mailed in the order they are received and may not arrive in time for Veterans Day Weekend.
Size availability is first-come, first-served and not guaranteed.
Here is the direct link to where you can register with a team: https://runsignup.com/RaceGroups/85815
Click the "Create a Group/Team" button to register and create your team.
Yes! We have wonderful corporate teams who participate every year and we would love to have your company's team join the DAV 5K Boston this November. Please reach out to events@tracs.net for more details.
Race packets will be mailed to registered participants beginning in October. Registrants who submit their registration prior to Thursday, October 23 will receive their race kits prior to race day. If you lose your bib number, please go to the Runner Solution tent on race day for a replacement.
Invite your friends, family and colleagues to join your team and once you reach 20 members on your team, you will earn your reserved team tent on race day!
Race Day FAQs
7:00 AM – Runner Solutions, merchandise, team tents, and sponsor row open
9:15 AM – Runner Solutions close / Opening Ceremony
9:30 AM – National Anthem
9:45 AM – Procession to Start Area (with DAV Honor Guard)
10:00 AM – 5K Run/Walk start
11:00 AM – Closing Ceremonies and Awards followed by the post-race celebration
The start and finish area is located outside DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island.
From the parking lot, please proceed south along the pathway through the DAV 5K Boston Welcome Avenue. Take a left at the playground and proceed towards the main staging area. The start and finish line is located on the main pathway adjacent to the staging area.
To view the 5K run and 1 Mile walk course map, visit https://www.dav5k.boston/eventinfo.html
Or view the course map on Strava here: https://www.strava.com/routes/3333138173665871602
The DAV 5K Boston course is fast, fat and fun! The course will take you on a tour outside DCR Fort Independence and give you stunning views of Boston Harbor and the skyline of Boston.
Each wave will start with the thunderous boom from the howitzer. Traditionally the Boston Fire Department has supported the DAV 5K Boston with the fireboats spraying their water cannons in Boston Harbor and a massive American flag hoisted from a ladder truck that runners run underneath!
Carpooling or a ride-share to Fort Independence at Castle Island is HIGHLY recommended.
Free Parking: Limited parking is available on Day Boulevard near Castle Island.
Rideshare: The best address to use for DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island is 2010 William J Day Blvd, Boston, MA 02127.
Free parking: Limited free parking is available on Day Boulevard near Castle Island. Please plan on 5-10 minutes to walk from your car to the start area.
Handicap parking is available in the parking lot closest to DCR Fort Independence.
Yes! Free parking is available along Day Boulevard near DCR Fort Independence.
Note that space is limited, so come early and consider carpooling.
Handicap parking is available in the main parking lot at DCR Fort Independence.
The address for this parking lot is 2010 William J Day Blvd, South Boston, MA 02127.
Yes! You can bike to DCR Fort Independence and lock up your bike on the public bike racks near the parking lot.
Yes! The closest Bluebike stations are in South Boston located at Murphy Skating Rink at 1880 Day Boulevard, about a 10-15 minute walk to the start area outside DCR Fort Independence.
MBTA: Use the Red Line to Broadway Station, then take City Point buses #9 or #11. Walk to the right across Marine Park and around the water to the entrance of the fort. More information on public transportation is available here.
No worries! Come see the team at the Runner Solution tent on race morning for a replacement bib number. The Runner Solution tent is the first tent on the left when you enter the start area outside DCR Fort Independence.
There is a self-serve bag check area next to the Runner Solution tent on race. Please note that participants assume all responsibility for items in the bag check area. Race organizers are not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged items.
The DAV 5K Boston is USA Track and Field sanctioned, so we have to play by their rules. That means strollers and jogging strollers are not permitted. You'll have to brave the 5K solo, without your little ones.
Strollers are permitted in the race area. Your partners and little ones can join you to celebrate your success after the race!
The DAV 5K Boston is USA Track and Field sanctioned, which means that pets are not permitted to join us along the way.
After the race, for safety and space restrictions, we do not allow dogs or other pets into the post-race event space outside DCR Fort Independence.
There is no rain date. The DAV 5K Boston is RAIN OR SHINE.
Our primary concern is safety, and headphones can hinder a runner's ability to hear important instructions, warnings, or potential hazards. Headphones are permitted, but runners must be aware of their surroundings and able to hear race officials and other runners.
Please pay attention on the course, especially on the narrow paths around DCR Fort Independence and on the Causeway.
As a thank you for their service, all veterans, service members, active-duty, reservists, National Guard, and cadets are eligible for exclusive benefits on race weekend! For more information, visit https://www.dav5k.boston/veterans.html
Yes! There is one main water station on the course that runners can access twice at approximately the 1.6 and 2.2 mile marks. Water is also available at the finish area after the race.
Yes, the restrooms are located in the DCR restroom building located between the parking lot and the start / finish area.
There are no restrooms on the course.
There are 1,500 participants in the DAV 5K Boston.
Register today to secure your spot before the race sells out!
Here is the link to register: https://runsignup.com/Race/Register/?raceId=85815
We love when friends and family join us on race day-- they are absolutely invited to come watch and cheer you on! We ask that they make a small contribution to DAV Department of MA if they're going to come enjoy the post-race party. They can donate to your personal fundraising campaign or make a donation here: https://runsignup.com/Race/Donate/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
There are lots of great places to take in the DAV 5K Boston as a spectator.
Here are our top 3 recommendations for viewing along the course:
Start / Finish Area
Hillside outside DCR Fort Independence
Harborside behind the main stage to see the runners in their final 200m before the finish
No, but we are aiming to add a certification for the course in the near future, pending some construction along the route.
The DAV 5K Boston is known for its legendary post-race feast.
The 2025 lineup is still being finalized by will likely include:
The Sausage Guy, BaLe Banh Mi, Alma Nove, Wahlburgers, Abby Park, Gourmet Caterers, Landmark Public House, The Chef's Table, Montilios Bakery, New England Coffee, Lamberts Fruit.
Yes, absolutely! We encourage all runners to stay hydrated.
As an early November race, it's important to keep an eye on the weather for the DAV 5K Boston and wear the appropriate layers of clothing. To see the weather WBZ weather forecast: https://www.cbsnews.com/boston/weather/
Below is the historical weather for the DAV 5K Boston from 2019-2024.
2019-11-09: High 41°F, Low 28°F
2021-11-06: High 51°F, Low 36°F
2022-11-13: High 56°F, Low 41°F, Precip 0.10"
2023-11-11: High 49°F, Low 34°F
2024-11-09: High 52°F, Low 40°F
Race Location
DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island
2010 William J Day Blvd
Boston, MA 02127 US
View Location on Map
Map Location
Results & Photo FAQs
Your individual or team results will be ready within 2 hours of you finishing the race! They can be found using this direct link: https://runsignup.com/Race/Results/85815#resultSetId-506162;perpage:100
You will be able to search by name, bib number, or town to locate your results. We recommend you search using the full name that you registered for the event with to obtain your results
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Wear your bib on the front of your shirt.
- If you registered as a group, make sure that you wear YOUR bib number and not someone else's.
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Don’t fold or cover the timing chip.
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Cross both the start and finish timing mats.
Please visit https://dav5k.boston/ for race results from 2019 - 2024.
Please contact events@tracs.net with all results inquiries.
Preliminary results will be posted shortly after you finish the race—often within minutes. Final results will be confirmed and posted online the same day.
Yes! As long as you start and finish through the timing mats with your bib properly attached, your time will be recorded—whether you run, walk, or jog.
Yes. The finish line closes at 11:30am, which provides 90 minutes to complete the 5K course. This is 29:03 pace per mile.
Race timing services are provided by Spitler Race Systems, the premier MyLaps timing provider in New England.
The photos will be available 1 day after the race on https://www.dav5k.boston/
You can use this direct link to view photos from 2024:. https://tracsinc.pixieset.com/dav5kboston2024/
Absolutely! We partner with amazing professional photographers who specialize in capturing the excitement, energy, and heartfelt moments of the day. They’re experts at freezing those high-five finishes, smiling faces, and emotional tributes in time.
Photographers will be stationed at key points along the course and at the start/finish area. They’ll be looking for everything from action shots mid-stride to candid moments with family and friends.
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Smile & look up when you see a photographer.
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Wear your bib number clearly on the front so we can tag your photos.
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Don’t be afraid to show your personality—wave, give a thumbs-up, or throw your arms in the air!
Yes! They’ll also photograph the pre-race opening ceremony, post-race celebrations, and special moments honoring veterans. These aren’t just pictures—they’re memories of the atmosphere, camaraderie, and cause that make this event special.
After the event, we’ll share a link to the official photo gallery where you can search by your bib number. Many of our photographers’ images are available for download so you can share your favorite memories with friends and family.
2024 Galleries: https://tracsinc.pixieset.com/dav5kboston2024/
2023 Galleries: https://tracsinc.pixieset.com/dav5kboston2023/
Definitely! We love seeing participant-taken shots. If you share on social media, tag your photos with #DAV5KBoston so we can see and share them too.
All race photos are provided FREE of charge to the DAV 5K Boston community, including hull figh-resoultion downloads so you can keep your favorite race memories in stunning detail.
Yes—these are some of the most meaningful shots of the day. Our photographers make a point to capture moments like veterans crossing the finish line, family embraces, and ceremonial tributes so they’re preserved forever.
Absolutely. Our pros are ready for any New England weather—whether it’s crisp autumn sun, a light drizzle, or misty morning air. Rain or shine, the energy still shows in every image!
Our photographers are trained to find and capture as many participants as possible. Even if you don’t spot them, chances are they’ve spotted you and are already framing your perfect shot.
Yes! Whether you’re running solo, with a team, or alongside friends and family, our photographers will capture both personal race moments and group celebrations so everyone gets to shine.
Volunteer FAQs
Here is the link to the volunteer sign up page: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Feel free to sign up for one or more time slots, as long as they do not overlap.
We appreciate all of your help! The race could not go on without our incredible volunteers.
Yes, you are more than werlcome to volunteer for more than one time slot, however, please make sure that the time slots that you sign up for do not overlap with one another.
Here is the direct link to the volunteer sign up page: https://runsignup.com/Race/Volunteer/MA/Boston/dav5kboston
Yes, you can volunteer for set up or clean up and also run the DAV 5K Boston. Please make sure if you would like to volunteer, that you sign up for a time slot that does not overlap with the race. The event is set to be from 10:00am to 2:00pm.
Yes, all volunteers will receive a shirt on race day that can be picked up before your volunteer time slot.
Free parking: Limited free parking is available on Day Boulevard near Castle Island. Please plan on 5-10 minutes to walk from your car to the start area.
Handicap parking is available in the parking lot closest to DCR Fort Independence.
Please checkin at the Runner Solution tent on race day, which is the first tent on the left as you arrive at the DAV 5K Boston staging area.
Please checkout at the Runner Solution tent on race day, which is the first tent on the left as you arrive at the DAV 5K Boston staging area.
Sponsor and Media FAQs
The presenting sponsor for the 2025 DAV 5K Boston is Veterans Development Corporation.
For more information about our sponsors and partners for 2025, please visit this page for more details: DAV 5K Boston: Sponsors
Our presenting sponsor for the 2025 DAV 5K Boston is Veterans Development Corporation.
For more information about our sponsors and partners for 2025, please visit this page for more details: DAV 5K Boston: Sponsors
For all current and future sponsorship inquiries, please reach out to events@tracs.net.
Please email events@tracs.net for all DAV 5K Boston partnership inquiries.
For more information about our sponsors and partners for 2025, please visit this page for more details: DAV 5K Boston: Sponsors
The DAV 5K Boston partnership deliverables are managed by TRACS, Inc. on behalf of the DAV Department of Massachuestts and the DAV 5K Boston Race Committee.
Please contact events@tracs.net for your product donation inquiry. We can accept donated product for distribution in the race kit mailings or on race day. All product donations will be reviewed by the DAV 5K Boston Race Committee.
Please contact events@tracs.net with your sampling inquiry. All sampling inquiries will be reviewed by the DAV 5K Boston Race Committee.
The DAV 5K Boston has a well-rounded portfolio of local and regional media partners, including WBZ-TV4, The Financial Exchange Radio, The Quincy Sun and New England Runner magazine.
The DAV 5K Boston is one of the largest Veteran Day Weekend events in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Please email events@tracs.net for all media inquiries. We will assist you in meeting your deadlines and getting race day access for the DAV 5K Boston.
Please contact events@tracs.net regarding permits and insurance requirements for the DAV 5K Boston.
The DAV 5K Boston enjoys a collaborative partnership with municipal and governmental agencies, including the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), Massachusetts State Police, City of Boston, Boston Police, Boston Fire Department, Boston EMS and Massachusetts National Guard.
These partners collaborate with the DAV 5K Boston race committee to ensure a safe and well-managed, family-friendly event experience.
Social Media FAQs
Here is the direct link to our linktr.ee which has relevant links and information about the upcoming race: https://linktr.ee/dav5kboston
Join the DAV 5K Strava club for the latest updates and earn your kudos!
🏃♀️ DAV 5K Strava Club: https://www.strava.com/clubs/dav5kboston
The hashtags you should use for DAV 5K Boston social media are: #DAV5KBoston and #VetsRunBoston
Make sure to tag @DAV5KBoston on all social media posts!
The best ways for you to engage with the DAV 5K Boston community is to follow us on social media, write comments and share your race day experience.
