_GET READY TO BOLT! THE BULLDOG BOLT 5K RETURNS FOR YEAR 5 FRIDAY, JULY 4, 2026! _

_2026 THEME: HONORING ALL WHO SERVED _

Lace up your running shoes, grab your four-legged sidekick, and join us for the 5th Annual Bulldog Bolt 5K & 1-Mile Walk on Friday, July 4, 2026, at beautiful Saelens Park in Durand, Illinois.

This years event carries a special mission: _Honoring All Who Served_. The Bulldog Bolt proudly recognizes the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces and the sacrifices they have made for our country.

_ ALL U.S. MILITARY VETERANS ARE INVITED TO PARTICIPATE IN THE 2026 BULLDOG BOLT FREE OF CHARGE._

To support this effort, participants and supporters are encouraged to Sponsor a Vet by donating $15, which helps cover the cost of a veterans finisher shirt and commemorative medal. Its a small gesture of appreciation for those who have given so much.

Whether youre racing for a personal best, walking with family, or running alongside a veteran youre proud to support, the Bulldog Bolt is about community, gratitude, and celebrating Independence Day together.

_WHY YOU CANT MISS IT!_

- Honoring All Who Served Free race entry for all U.S. military veterans

- Scenic, dog-friendly course through the heart of Saelens Park

- Exclusive 2026 Bulldog Bolt T-Shirt & Finisher Medal

- Sponsor a Vet Program Donate $15 to honor a veteran participant

- All proceeds benefit the Durand 4th of July Festival

_REGISTER BEFORE JUNE 15 TO GUARANTEE YOUR OFFICIAL 2026 BULLDOG BOLT SHIRT AND FINISHER MEDAL._

Race Day Details


Date: Friday, July 4, 2026

Start Time: 8:00 AM

Start & Finish Line: Saelens Park Durand, Illinois

Race Day Packet Pick-Up: Begins at 7:00 AM at the race site



_CELEBRATE THE 4TH OF JULY IN DURAND_

Hosted by Anytime Fitness Durand in partnership with DARTS (Durand Area Retailers, Trades & Services), the Bulldog Bolt helps power the Durand 4th of July Festivalone of our communitys most beloved traditions.

Your participation supports a full weekend of patriotic celebration, bringing families, neighbors, and visitors together in Durand each Independence Day.

_DONT MISS THE STREET DANCE!_

Kick off the holiday the night before with the Durand Street Dance on Friday, July 3rd, 2026!

Downtown Durand

Gates Open: 6:30 PM

Early Packet Pick-Up:

Pick up your race packet Friday evening at the Street Dance in front of Anytime Fitness Durand from 6:30 PM 9:00 PM.

_ANYTIME FITNESS IS LOCATED IN DOWNTOWN DURAND AT 422 N CENTER ST, DURAND IL 61024_

_Festival information:_

https://www.facebook.com/Durand4thfestival

Stay Connected & Get Race-Ready
Follow us for race updates, training tips from our Anytime Fitness coaches, sponsor highlights, and sneak peeks of this years patriotic race swag.

_BULLDOG BOLT SOCIALS:_

https://www.facebook.com/durandbulldogbolt5k

https://www.instagram.com/bulldogbolt5k/



_LETS MAKE THE 2026 BULLDOG BOLT OUR MOST MEANINGFUL YEAR YET AS WE RUN IN HONOR OF THOSE WHO SERVED._

Thank you to our incredible community and generous festival sponsors who make events like this possible. We cant wait to see you at the starting line!