Drew Russell Memorial Run
- Date Sat 18th April 2026
- Time 8:30AM EDT
- Location Kalamazoo, Michigan
- Price $22.70
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
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Event summary
Join us for the inspiring Drew Russell Memorial Run on Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan! This heartfelt 5K run/walk honors the memory of Captain Drew Russell, a dedicated Western Michigan University ROTC alumnus who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to his country. Participants can choose to join the live race at 1903 W Michigan Ave or take part in a virtual race option, allowing everyone to participate no matter where they are.
The event kicks off at 8:30 am with the National Anthem and a spirited start gun, followed by an awards ceremony for top finishers in various age categories. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker, this event is a fantastic way to support a meaningful cause while enjoying a day of community and camaraderie. Registration is available at early bird pricing until February 23, 2026, so sign up early to secure your spot and a commemorative t-shirt. Let’s come together to honor Captain Russell's legacy and support the scholarship established in his name!
The event kicks off at 8:30 am with the National Anthem and a spirited start gun, followed by an awards ceremony for top finishers in various age categories. Whether you’re a seasoned runner or a casual walker, this event is a fantastic way to support a meaningful cause while enjoying a day of community and camaraderie. Registration is available at early bird pricing until February 23, 2026, so sign up early to secure your spot and a commemorative t-shirt. Let’s come together to honor Captain Russell's legacy and support the scholarship established in his name!
Organiser's Description
THE DREW RUSSELL MEMORIAL RUN IS GOING TO HAVE A "LIVE" AND VIRTUAL RACE FOR 2025
About This Event: This 5K Run/Walk is in memory of Captain Drew Russell, a WMU ROTC alumni. He was Killed-In-Action in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on October 8, 2011. As an active member within his community of Scotts, Michigan and a 2004 graduate of Vicksburg High School, he is remembered as a stand-up man who was always looking out for his friends and family with a great sense of humor. After earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in Armor through Western Michigan Universitys ROTC Program, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado to carry out his time as an active duty Armor officer. Captain Russell was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for his actions in battle. He was survived by his mother, Patti, his father, Jim and his brother, James. In Captain Russells remembrance, an endowed scholarship was established for Western Michigan University students by his classmates. This event raises money for that scholarship to be awarded to a Cadet in the program.
EVENT LOCATION:
* Live Race - April 05, 2025. 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008
* Virtual Race - Anywhere between April 05, 2025 to April 12, 2025.
EVENT AND SCHEDULE:
* Packet Pickup and Same Day Registration will begin at 7:30am. All participants will report to the check in table to receive their t-shirt.
* Race Begins at 8:30 am with the National Anthem and Boomer Start Gun
* Awards will be given to those who have placed after they finish.
REGISTRATION FEES:
* Early Bird Registration Pricing - $20.00 until Feb 23rd (11:59 pm)
* Regular Registration Pricing - $25.00 from Feb 24th to April 4th (11:59 pm)
* To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 7th (11:59 pm)
TEE SHIRTS:
* To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 7th (11:59 pm). Extra shirts will be ordered and available on a First Come First Serve Basis.
* For in-person race participants T-shirts will be picked up on race day at the registration table
* For virtual participants, the T-shirt will be mailed out to you.
AWARDS:
* Winners in each category will be awarded a medal! Only in-person participants will be eligible for a medal.
* Categories:
* Top Runner Below 25 years old (Male and Female)
* Top Runner between 26 and 40 years old (Male and Female)
* Top Runner above 41 years old (Male and Female)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
* Can my Dog Participate in the race with me?
* Yes! Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash and you clean up after them!
* Can I push a stroller during this race?
* Yes!
For any questions, please contact:
John Wroblewski
Cell phone: (231) 881-8805
Email: [email protected]
About This Event: This 5K Run/Walk is in memory of Captain Drew Russell, a WMU ROTC alumni. He was Killed-In-Action in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on October 8, 2011. As an active member within his community of Scotts, Michigan and a 2004 graduate of Vicksburg High School, he is remembered as a stand-up man who was always looking out for his friends and family with a great sense of humor. After earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in Armor through Western Michigan Universitys ROTC Program, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado to carry out his time as an active duty Armor officer. Captain Russell was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for his actions in battle. He was survived by his mother, Patti, his father, Jim and his brother, James. In Captain Russells remembrance, an endowed scholarship was established for Western Michigan University students by his classmates. This event raises money for that scholarship to be awarded to a Cadet in the program.
EVENT LOCATION:
* Live Race - April 05, 2025. 1903 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, Michigan 49008
* Virtual Race - Anywhere between April 05, 2025 to April 12, 2025.
EVENT AND SCHEDULE:
* Packet Pickup and Same Day Registration will begin at 7:30am. All participants will report to the check in table to receive their t-shirt.
* Race Begins at 8:30 am with the National Anthem and Boomer Start Gun
* Awards will be given to those who have placed after they finish.
REGISTRATION FEES:
* Early Bird Registration Pricing - $20.00 until Feb 23rd (11:59 pm)
* Regular Registration Pricing - $25.00 from Feb 24th to April 4th (11:59 pm)
* To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 7th (11:59 pm)
TEE SHIRTS:
* To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 7th (11:59 pm). Extra shirts will be ordered and available on a First Come First Serve Basis.
* For in-person race participants T-shirts will be picked up on race day at the registration table
* For virtual participants, the T-shirt will be mailed out to you.
AWARDS:
* Winners in each category will be awarded a medal! Only in-person participants will be eligible for a medal.
* Categories:
* Top Runner Below 25 years old (Male and Female)
* Top Runner between 26 and 40 years old (Male and Female)
* Top Runner above 41 years old (Male and Female)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:
* Can my Dog Participate in the race with me?
* Yes! Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash and you clean up after them!
* Can I push a stroller during this race?
* Yes!
For any questions, please contact:
John Wroblewski
Cell phone: (231) 881-8805
Email: [email protected]
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1903 W Michigan Ave, Student Recreation Center, Kalamazoo, 49008, MI, United States
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Drew Russell Memorial Run
