A Veterans Day weekend run through Bond Park that starts with the color guard.
On Veterans Day weekend, we gather at Fred G. Bond Metro Park in Cary to run together and say thank you to the people who served. Pick the 15K, the 10K, or the 5K. Run it, walk it, or mix the two, and go home with a Stars, Stripes, & Strides shirt and a finisher medal.
The morning starts with a color guard presentation, and the race supports our local VFW Post 7383.
7:30 to 8:45 AM: Packet pickup and check-in
8:45 AM: Color guard presentation
9:00 AM: 15K, 10K, and 5K start together
10:30 AM: Course closes
Check-in is at the Challenge Course Shelter. The course closes at 10:30 AM for every distance, so keep your pace in mind when you pick your race. Times can shift for weather or safety, and the email we send the week before has the final word.
Check in at the Challenge Course Shelter
Fred G. Bond Metro Park, 801 High House Rd., Cary, NC 27513.
Park in one of the park lots
There are lots by the Kiwanis Shelter, the Challenge Course Shelter, the Boat House, the Senior Center, and the ball parks.
Please don't park at the Community Center
Event parking isn't available there.
The course winds around Bond Park on a mix of dirt, grass, pavement, and natural trail, with some moderate to big hills. How it feels underfoot depends on the weather in the days before the race.
Water at two stations on the course, one near the finish, and at the registration and refreshment area
Athletic trainer at the medical tent near the finish
Chip timing for everyone, with live results a few minutes after you cross the line
The course isn't USATF certified, and please bear in mind that GPS tracking apps are not suitable for measuring course distances accurately. The course maps include elevation data, so you can see the hills coming.
Shirts and medals are guaranteed for everyone who signs up by November 1.
A Stars, Stripes, & Strides shirt and finisher medal
For every 5K, 10K, and 15K runner, in person or virtual. Guaranteed if you sign up by November 1.
Over $4,000 in potential awards
Top 3 men and women overall in each race, top 3 in every age group, Picking Up the Pace awards for runners who beat their pace from one of our last two races, and a $10 gift code for any new course record.
Fit & Able Free-for-All Series points
This race earns you points toward end-of-year prizes.
Referral and team rewards
Bring friends along or build a team, and you can earn back the early bird price, plus Fit & Able credit. These rewards are for the in-person 5K, 10K, and 15K. Details are on the registration page.
Sign up for the virtual race if you already know you can’t be there on race day. Or, if you’re registered for the in-person race and your plans change, email info@fitandable.net at least 48 hours before the race and we’ll switch you to virtual.
Run your 15K, 10K, or 5K anywhere between November 7 at 6:00 AM and November 14 at 6:00 PM: around the neighborhood, on a greenway, even around the living room.
Submit your time online during that window (RaceJoy can do it for you). Your shirt and medal ship to any US address the week after the race, shipping included, once your result is in. You can also pick up your packet at the in-person race. Top 3 overall and age-group finishers win Fit & Able gift codes.
Set a new one and win a $10 gift code.
5K Male: C. Mills, 18:00 (2024)
5K Female: M. Leonard, 20:11 (2025)
10K Male: T. Woolard/M. Yarborough, 40:44 (2023)
10K Female: M. Openchowski, 50:28 (2024)
15K Male: C. Mershon, 1:00:25 (2025)
15K Female: L. Gallicchio, 1:25:12 (2025)
Results from every Stars, Stripes, & Strides since 2022 are on RunSignUp.
Stars, Stripes, & Strides supports our local Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 7383. The VFW is a nonprofit veterans service organization made up of eligible veterans and military service members from the active, guard, and reserve forces.
Its work comes down to three things: bringing together veterans of overseas conflicts, serving veterans, the military, and their communities, and speaking up for all veterans.
Can I bring my dog or my bike?
Not to this one. Dogs and bikes aren't allowed on the Stars, Stripes, & Strides course. We also strongly suggest leaving the headphones at home so you can hear course instructions.
Can my little one ride along in a stroller?
Yes. Kids 4 and under can join through the Kids in Strollers registration, and that includes little ones you carry. They need their own registration and bib, a parent registered in the 5K, 10K, or 15K, and a proper buckle. A helmet is a good idea too.
When and where do I pick up my packet?
On race day only, at the Challenge Course Shelter in Bond Park. Bring a photo ID (a picture of it on your phone works). You can pick up a friend's packet if you have a photo of their ID. Anything not picked up on race day can't be shipped or refunded.
Can I sign up on race day?
Yes, at check-in on race morning. We take cash, checks, and cards. Online registration closes November 12 at 9 PM.
When will results and photos be up?
Live results post a few minutes after you finish. Final results and race photos are emailed after the race, and RunSignUp tags photos to your bib number, so keep your bib on the front.
How do I get my award?
There's no ceremony on race day. Awards are ready the week after, to pick up at Fleet Feet Morrisville or by email. Results are final for awards at 9 AM the Monday after the race, and age groups go by your age on December 31.
Can my family come and cheer?
Please do. Spectators are welcome along the course and outside the finish chute fencing. Check-in and the start and finish areas are for runners only, and please leave drones at home.
What if I need extra time or an accommodation?
Every Fit & Able race is open to anyone, of any age, skill level, or ability. If you might need extra time, email info@fitandable.net. For an accommodation, please reach out at least a month before race day so we can work out what's possible.
More answers on our Event FAQ page.
Hand out water, help at check-in and cheer runners home. Every Fit & Able race runs on volunteers.
Volunteer sign-upMeet runners and families on race day, as a sponsor or with an exhibitor booth.
Sponsorship optionsPick your distance and save your spot. Prices and registration are on RunSignUp.