Run for the Wounded 5k, 10k, & Half

The Run for the Wounded 5k, 10k, & Half Marathon 2026 is a multi-distance trail and road event held at Prince William Forest Park in Triangle, Virginia. Scheduled for Sunday, May 3, 2026, with a start time of 7:30 AM EDT, the race is dedicated to supporting wounded veterans while showcasing the natural beauty of Northern Virginia’s largest protected woodland. The event offers a unique course profile: the half-marathon features a combination of paved scenic roads and woodland trails, while the 5k and 10k distances are strictly trail-based. Walkers are encouraged to participate across all categories.

The event is structured to accommodate various skill levels, from casual walkers to experienced long-distance runners. The half-marathon provides a hybrid experience of road and trail, while the shorter distances immerse participants entirely in the forest canopy.

Triangle is an unincorporated community in Prince William County, Virginia, located approximately 35 miles south of Washington, D.C. As of 2026, Prince William County is the second-largest county in Virginia, with a population exceeding 507,000 residents. Demographically, the region is exceptionally diverse: approximately 41.3% Black/African American, 22.3% White, 22.1% Hispanic/Latino, and 14.6% Asian. The area is highly affluent and educated, with a median household income of roughly $131,000 USD and over 40% of residents holding a bachelor's degree or higher.

The local culture is heavily influenced by its military ties and proximity to the Quantico Marine Corps Base, which borders the town of Triangle. This results in a high veteran population—nearly double the national average—and a community culture that deeply values service, patriotism, and veteran support organizations. Prince William Forest Park itself is a historical landmark, spanning 15,000 acres of Piedmont forest; it was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and served as a training ground for the OSS during World War II. Residents and visitors alike utilize the park's 37 miles of trails as a primary destination for "soft adventure" and nature-based recreation within the bustling D.C. metropolitan corridor.

Runners can expect a scenic, rolling course through mature hardwood forests, crossing small streams and fens that characterize the Virginia Piedmont. The "Run for the Wounded" creates a high-energy yet respectful atmosphere, with a start line full of local military families and outdoor enthusiasts. The paved sections for the half-marathon offer a fast surface with gradual elevation changes, while the 5k/10k trail segments provide a more technical "roots and rocks" experience. By 7:30 AM on May 3rd, the park's entrance will be a hub of activity as participants gather to support a vital cause in one of the East Coast’s most significant urban wildlands.