Fort Custer "Defender" 5K
- Date Sat 2nd May 2026
- Time 9:00AM EDT
- Location Augusta, Michigan
- Price $38.10
- Races 1 race
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us for the exhilarating Fort Custer "Defender" 5K on Saturday, May 2, 2026, in Augusta, Kalamazoo! This much-anticipated annual event welcomes runners and walkers of all ages and abilities to experience the scenic beauty of the Fort Custer Training Center. The flat, paved course takes you around the main area of the fort and through a portion of the training area, ensuring an enjoyable outing for everyone.
Participants can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with community spirit, as well as a chance to explore the Fort Custer Museum and a military vehicle display. With a maximum of 250 participants, don’t miss your chance to register for this family-friendly event, which includes a $35 entry fee. Each participant will receive a new design finishers medal and running socks (while supplies last). The race kicks off at 9:00 AM, followed by an award ceremony at 10:15 AM, recognizing outstanding performances across various age groups. Come out, get active, and support our local soldiers while making lasting memories at the Fort Custer "Defender" 5K!
Participants can look forward to a vibrant atmosphere filled with community spirit, as well as a chance to explore the Fort Custer Museum and a military vehicle display. With a maximum of 250 participants, don’t miss your chance to register for this family-friendly event, which includes a $35 entry fee. Each participant will receive a new design finishers medal and running socks (while supplies last). The race kicks off at 9:00 AM, followed by an award ceremony at 10:15 AM, recognizing outstanding performances across various age groups. Come out, get active, and support our local soldiers while making lasting memories at the Fort Custer "Defender" 5K!
Organiser's Description
The 177th Regional Training Institute (RTI) MIARNG is excited to announce its fourth annual Fort Custer Defender 5K. The event will be held on Saturday, the 2nd of May 2026 and is open to the public (race form registration needed for access). Come out and join the 5k run/walk on our route here at beautiful Fort Custer Training Center, located in Augusta, MI. This is a family friendly event, and all abilities are welcome to participate. The Fort Custer Museum will be open until noon along with a military vehicle display.
PARTICIPANTS: Maximum number of participants will be limited to 250
PRICE: 5k run/walk is a $35 entry fee.
ROUTE: The course is a flat, paved route that travels around the main part of Fort Custer and into a short section of the training area. A water station is available at the crossroads of 26th and Armstrong allowing access to water just prior to 1 mile and just after 2 miles on the course. Please note that the course is all on 2 lane roads which are still open for vehicle travel. Strollers are allowed but please no pets.
SWAG: All participants will receive a finishers medal (new design from past races) and new this year is running socks. Socks are not guaranteed for those registered after 15 April 2024.
SPONSORS: Thank you to our sponsors:
* NGAM (NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN)
* UECKER CONSULTING, LLC
* SPARTAN NASH
PACKET PICKUP: Day of race packet pickup only. Packet pickup & registration will be along Custers First Stand located on the Northeast corner of the parking area. Gates open at 0700 for entry and packet pickup. Restrooms are available inside the All-Ranks Club and inside the Fort Custer Education Center (FCEC).
SCHEDULE: Run/walk will begin at 0900. Award ceremony will be held at 1015.
RESULTS: Results will be live during the race and posted on this website. The race will be professionally timed by Epic Timing.
AWARDS: Winners will be awarded for the following gender M/F and age groups:
* 13 and under
* 14-18
* 19-25
* 26-35
* 36-45
* 46-55
* 56+
Award ceremony will be held following the race in the military vehicle display area on the Southeast corner of the parking area at 1015.
PARKING: Once cleared of the gate proceed straight thru the first stop sign (Armstrong Road) then turn left at the second stop sign (Harmonia Road). Proceed to the FCEC parking lot on the right. NOTE: Wayne road will be blocked as will the entrance to the parking lot from Wayne Road. Registration/check-in will be along Custers First Stand in the Northeast corner.
PROCEEDS GO TO THE 177TH REGIMENT RTI MWR AND FT CUSTER ALL RANKS CLUB WHICH PROVIDES SUPPORT AND SERVICES TO SOLDIERS OF FORT CUSTER
_A note about the location: The gated entrance utilized to gain access to Ft Custer Training Center is located at crossroads of Denso Road and Clark Road, Augusta MI. Allow time for entry to the installation. This event is located on an active military installation; all vehicles are subject to search upon entry. Personally owned weapons are not authorized. Marijuana is not allowed on military installations. Violators will be barred from entry. _
PARTICIPANTS: Maximum number of participants will be limited to 250
PRICE: 5k run/walk is a $35 entry fee.
ROUTE: The course is a flat, paved route that travels around the main part of Fort Custer and into a short section of the training area. A water station is available at the crossroads of 26th and Armstrong allowing access to water just prior to 1 mile and just after 2 miles on the course. Please note that the course is all on 2 lane roads which are still open for vehicle travel. Strollers are allowed but please no pets.
SWAG: All participants will receive a finishers medal (new design from past races) and new this year is running socks. Socks are not guaranteed for those registered after 15 April 2024.
SPONSORS: Thank you to our sponsors:
* NGAM (NATIONAL GUARD ASSOCIATION OF MICHIGAN)
* UECKER CONSULTING, LLC
* SPARTAN NASH
PACKET PICKUP: Day of race packet pickup only. Packet pickup & registration will be along Custers First Stand located on the Northeast corner of the parking area. Gates open at 0700 for entry and packet pickup. Restrooms are available inside the All-Ranks Club and inside the Fort Custer Education Center (FCEC).
SCHEDULE: Run/walk will begin at 0900. Award ceremony will be held at 1015.
RESULTS: Results will be live during the race and posted on this website. The race will be professionally timed by Epic Timing.
AWARDS: Winners will be awarded for the following gender M/F and age groups:
* 13 and under
* 14-18
* 19-25
* 26-35
* 36-45
* 46-55
* 56+
Award ceremony will be held following the race in the military vehicle display area on the Southeast corner of the parking area at 1015.
PARKING: Once cleared of the gate proceed straight thru the first stop sign (Armstrong Road) then turn left at the second stop sign (Harmonia Road). Proceed to the FCEC parking lot on the right. NOTE: Wayne road will be blocked as will the entrance to the parking lot from Wayne Road. Registration/check-in will be along Custers First Stand in the Northeast corner.
PROCEEDS GO TO THE 177TH REGIMENT RTI MWR AND FT CUSTER ALL RANKS CLUB WHICH PROVIDES SUPPORT AND SERVICES TO SOLDIERS OF FORT CUSTER
_A note about the location: The gated entrance utilized to gain access to Ft Custer Training Center is located at crossroads of Denso Road and Clark Road, Augusta MI. Allow time for entry to the installation. This event is located on an active military installation; all vehicles are subject to search upon entry. Personally owned weapons are not authorized. Marijuana is not allowed on military installations. Violators will be barred from entry. _
Races
-
Fort Custer "Defender" 5K
Incl. $3.10 Fee & Running Socks
Sat 2nd May 2026 (9:00AM EDT)
$38.10
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2501 26th St, Bldg 2900, Augusta, 49012, MI, United States
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Fort Custer "Defender" 5K
