South Florida race aims to raise $125,000 for disabled veterans

The 11th annual Devil Dog 5K/10K is set for Oct. 4 in Boca Raton, with runners, walkers and supporters working toward a $125,000 fundraising goal for disabled Florida veterans and their families. The event will benefit the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund and includes a memorial mile, family activities and multiple race options.

Why it matters: - The Devil Dog 5K/10K is trying to turn a community race into emergency aid for disabled Florida veterans and their families. - The event’s $125,000 goal will support the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund, which provides financial assistance and professional services to qualified veterans. - Organizers are framing every registration, donation and sponsorship as direct help for veterans facing financial emergencies.

What happened: - The 11th annual Evolution Fitness Devil Dog 5K/10K is scheduled for Sunday, Oct. 4, 2026, in Boca Raton. - The race will be held at Burt Aaronson South County Regional Park, with the Glades Road entrance and meeting location at Sunset Pavilion. - Registration begins at 7 a.m. - The national anthem is set for 7:22 a.m. - The 5K and 10K start at 7:30 a.m. - The 1-Mile Fun Walk follows immediately after the main races. - The Kids 1-Mile Race for children 12 and under starts at 8:40 a.m.

The details: - Race options include a 5K Run/Walk, 10K Run/Walk, non-timed 1-Mile Fun Walk and Kids 1-Mile Race. - The event also will feature live music, food, vendor tents and children’s activities. - The Honor a Hero Memorial Mile lets participants recognize veterans who have died. - Families and friends can add a loved one’s name to the Memorial Mile banner with a $100 donation. - Runners and walkers will pass the memorial display on race day in a moment of remembrance. - People who cannot attend can still donate, become fundraisers, sponsor the race or share the event with others. - The registration and donation page is here.

Between the lines: - The race blends fundraising, public recognition and family-friendly programming to widen participation beyond serious runners. - The memorial component gives the event a personal hook that may help drive donations and repeat engagement. - Evolution Fitness is using a short timeline and a public goal to create urgency around the campaign.

What's next: - Organizers will continue pushing to hit the $125,000 target before race day. - South Florida runners, walkers, veterans, families and local organizations are being asked to sign up, donate or sponsor the event. - Race day participation will determine how much visibility and fundraising momentum the campaign gets for the Wounded Veterans Relief Fund.