Serious runners only please
We are assembling a small group (20 maximum), of active or former military personnel or dedicated athletes to comprise a core team of runners committed to a 4-day 250 mile tribute run from Virginia Beach to Arlington National Cemetery. Run will begin at 630am from the Light house at Fort Story and conclude in Arlington National Cemetery Section 60. The run has a specific timetable for each marker throughout each day. Runners need to be flexible, willing to run on any given day and when needed. RAIN OR SHINE.
Runners will run approx. 1 mile for every Virginia fallen military hero who died while serving during the current war on terror, stopping to salute and give tribute by name at every Hero Marker, briefly greeting family, friends and comrades who may be waiting nearby. Stopping no longer than 90 seconds each.
Each runner must be physically capable of a consistent 8-9 minute mile for 2 mile legs. Core teams will regularly rotate over the 4-day period. We are not looking for quantity of runners but a solid team dedicated to the remembrance of those who gave their lives and their families. This route will be grueling at times because the trail winds through many hilly areas as we near Northern Virginia. A specific pace must be maintained in order to timely greet waiting families.
Meet This Year's VIRGINIA
CORE RUN TEAM
Dex Moore
Some friends in my local run club are RWB members and invited me to join. When they told me the significance of the event, I couldn’t pass it up! I never served, but I am a military brat. My dad served in Desert Storm. At that young age I learned about the sacrifices that our military members make to keep up safe. After 9/11, many of my high school friends joined up to serve our country. Whenever possible, I do what I can to serve those who serve our country.
Tim LaHaie
I first learned about Run for the Fallen through a colleague at work and had the honor of participating in 2025. I’m running to support the families of our fallen service members and to honor the sacrifices of the men and women who protect the freedoms we enjoy every day. Committing my mind, body, and heart to a cause that brings awareness and respect to these heroes is a small way to help ensure their legacy is never forgotten.
Adam Stroik
I have participated several years in the Virginia run for the fallen. I run for my personal hero and fallen comrade: SSG Mark A Stets Jr. Who was killed on my first deployment. He was a great man and grew up most of his life in the Virginia Beach area. I run for him and to share his story and honor him and all of those who gave their lives in service to our country!
Orville Thompson
A NCO of mine does this run every year and invited me to take part in it this year.
Rich Rivera
I’ve had the honor of participating in Virginia Run for the Fallen twice, and as a Navy veteran, there’s truly no greater privilege than running in remembrance of those who paid the ultimate sacrifice. It’s a humbling experience that reminds me why their legacy must always be carried forward.
Josh Wagner
CWO4 USMC (Ret) — It means a great deal to return as a Core Runner this year. Having taken part in four Virginia Run for the Fallen events and the first Ohio Run for the Fallen, I’ve seen firsthand how powerful this mission is. Running allows me to honor our fallen heroes in a way that feels both personal and purposeful. With every mile, I carry a deep appreciation for their service and a commitment to ensuring their families know their loved ones are remembered. I’m grateful for the opportunity to represent this organization and to continue honoring Virginia’s military heroes. Semper Fi.
Taylor "Jake" Jacobs
This is my second year as a core runner. I heard about Run for the Fallen from Tony Aviles. I am retired Air Force, I served 29 years on active-duty. I appreciate the opportunity to participate in this run to honor the memory of those that made the ultimate sacrifice in the defense of our nation.
JOHN BURCHER
Heard about the run from Jake who has done it many times. I've been a runner for over a decade now. I've run many marathons, ultra marathons, etc. Always looking for something new or different. As a veteran, I thought this would be a good way to give back.
Diego Velazquez
I heard about this run by my platoon sergeant, who has ran it before a few times. It is important to me because it reminds me that be grateful for the fallen soldiers and to never forget what they have done for me and the country.
STEVEN SHORT
Ran VAFRTF 2024 and 2025 Ran SCRFTF 2024. I am thankful to be joining the Run for the Fallen family as we bring honor and remembrance to Virginia's military fallen and their families.
Kyle "MT" Moats
It’s an honor to return as a Core Runner and support the VA Run for the Fallen. I have been blessed to be a part of this incredible organization for multiple states runs; Arizona, Alabama, Ohio's first annual RFTF, and now my third time on the Virginia team. Looking forward to seeing amazing families, volunteers, and friends on this year's run. One Mission - One Team - One Tribute... multiple VA Heroes honored and remembered.
Zachary Gould
I heard about the run through another soldier, Adam Stroik. I am an Engineer serving in the 82nd Airborne Division, and a graduate of West Point. I am native to Pennsylvania but currently call Fort Bragg my home. I have been running to commemorate our fallen comrades since my time on the Army West Point Marathon Team, and have always thought that remembrance it is one of the most important things we can do for the military community. Many people, especially in my generation, do not have any personal attachments to the wars our country has engaged in and the cost of our freedoms. Being able to publicly commemorate those costs brings the entire American community closer together and reminds us that freedom truly isn't free.
Frank Leone
I have several friends who have participated in past years and have recommended that I participate.
Late in my high school career, I wanted to enlist in the army, but was unable to due to having Type 1 Diabetes. I now serve as a civil servant engineer at NASA Langley Research Center in Hampton, Virginia. I am an avid ultramarathon runner, having completed several 100-mile races. I would very much appreciate the opportunity to run and give respect to those who have served and given everything.
Richard Venizelos
Heard about the Run from Jake. Currently Active Duty Air Force who enjoys running and am looking forward to running for a such a great cause.
Jacob Lang
I heard about this from a buddie I serve in the U.S Army and would love to be apart of a movement like this
Kennon Privette
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