CLARKSVILLE, Tenn. (CLARKSVILLENOW) – CDE Lightband is proud to announce a brand-new endurance event coming to Clarksville this September.

The inaugural Valor Run Half Marathon, 5k, and Memorial Mile will take place on Saturday, September 15 with a start and finish at Beachaven Winery.

Many local runners have participated in the Go Commando Half Marathon & 5k the past five years. This year, in a joint partnership, the Go Commando and Valor Run race directors made the decision to come together in support of one event this season. The Valor Run race will be Clarksville’s exclusive half marathon for fall 2018. The 2018 route will be very similar to the 2017 Go Commando half marathon route.

Multiple Distances Offered
The half marathon, powered by CDE Lightband, will take runners through the scenic Montgomery County countryside. This 13.1 mile race route is perfect for beginners and runners training for fall marathons.

“This race is a great addition to the variety of events in our community,” says Brian Taylor, General Manager of CDE Lightband. “We’re always proud to support activities that honor our military families and bring our community to the next level.”

The 5k, sponsored by Visit Clarksville, is family friendly, in an out-and-back course on International Blvd.

“Our decision to support Valor Run was simple,” says Theresa Harrington, Executive Director of Visit Clarksville. “Our mission is to promote tourism for the Clarksville-Montgomery County community. Valor Run will be promoted regionally and is expected to bring many out of town guests.”

A highlight of the event this year will be the Memorial Mile, sponsored by AARP.

“It’s an honor to recognize our American heroes in such a unique way, in tribute to our Fort Campbell soldiers who have paid the ultimate sacrifice,” says AARP Community Outreach Director, Stacy Pennington.

This one-mile route will honor the memories of over 25 fallen soldiers with connections to the Clarksville community.

Honorees will be selected through Medals of Honor, one of the main beneficiaries of the 2018 race.

How to Register
Registration for the race is available at www.valorrunclarksville.com. Race fees begin at $50 for the half marathon, $30 for the 5k, and $10 for the Memorial Mile. Prices will increase closer to the event. All half marathon and 5k participants will receive a race shirt and finisher’s medal. Overall finisher awards and age group awards are available for the half marathon and 5k. A commemorative medal will be available for all Memorial Mile participants. First time runner? Don’t worry, the half marathon has a four-hour time limit.

Information on training plans will be available soon. Be sure to follow the race on Facebook @ValorRunClarksville to get information on training groups and special events.

Questions regarding the event email Jessica Goldberg, Race Director, at jgoldberg@5starradio.com.

The Beneficiaries
Medals of Honor is a non-profit organization based in Nashville, TN. Their mission is to honor the courage and sacrifice made by fallen soldiers and their families through endurance and fitness events. They connect active duty, veterans, and civilians to surviving families. The organization collects names and information from families and friends of soldiers killed in combat, in training, or self-inflicted wounds of war. Through the endurance events, such as Valor Run, participants can wear a race bib in honor of the soldier and also donate their race medal, if they choose, to the soldier’s surviving family members.

All runners participating in the half marathon, 5k, or Memorial Mile will be given a race bib from Medals of Honor to wear in honor of a soldier. If you have a friend or family member you would like added to the Medals of Honor database, please visit www.medalsofhonor.org.

Valor Run is proud to have Clarksville Rotary as another major beneficiary for the 2018 event. Clarksville Rotary is an actively involved civic organization in the community. Through this partnership, Rotary will be able to continue large-scale projects in Montgomery County such as plans for a splash pad and adaptive ballfields. As true community servants, Rotary is a natural fit for partnership with Valor Run.