Registration is currently open for the annual 1LT Robert F. Welch III Run For Our Heroes. It will be held Saturday, April 26 at Olde City Park in Wylie.

The 1LT Robert F. Welch III Run For Our Heroes will return for its 13th year on Saturday, April 26 at Olde City Park in Wylie.

The event, which has become a spring tradition, will feature opening ceremonies at 8:30 a.m., followed by a 5K Run/Walk and 1-mile fun run starting at 9 a.m.

“The mission of the 1LT Robert F. Welch III Charity is to honor, celebrate and support our military and first responders through community outreach while preserving the memory of our fallen heroes,” said Becky Welch, event organizer and charity founder.

“We are excited to be making a donation to both our Wylie Police Department and Wylie Fire Rescue during our opening ceremonies this year,” Welch said. “Funds raised will also go toward supporting homeless veterans in the DFW area, provide food and monetary assistance as needed for veterans, first responders and Gold Star families, assist with the laying of wreaths for our fallen, and other initiatives to honor our fallen and aid in our outreach to military and first responder families.”

Registration is $10, which includes a swag bag. Participants can also choose to pay $25 to $32, to receive an official event T-shirt along with their registration. Registration is open until race day, but participants must register by Saturday, April 12, to receive a T-shirt on race day.

For those who pre-register or pre-order a T-shirt, early pickup is available at Olde City Park under the pavilion at 112 N. Ballard Ave. in Wylie: Friday, April 25: 8:30–10 a.m. or 4–6:30 p.m. or Race Day (Saturday, April 26) starting at 7 a.m. at Olde City Park.

In addition to the races, the event will feature a range of activities for all ages, including a vendor fair from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Olde City Park, 112 S. Ballard Ave., Wylie and a silent auction taking place under the park pavilion.

Live music will be offered with Blended at 9:30 a.m. followed by Jesse Watts at 11:30 a.m.

A free Heroes Brunch will be offered to military veterans, first responders and their families from 9-10:30 a.m. in the parking lot area, said Welch.

Children’s activities, such as face painting, bounce houses and a mobile teddy bear shop, will also be available.

Additionally, Welch said they are accepting donations at the race of full size toiletries, baby wipes, and diapers to donate to the Wylie PD to use in their efforts to support victims of violence. A collection box will be located at the charity table. 

“We are truly a grassroots charity who appreciates the support of the community in helping us locate veterans and first responders in need,” Welch said, encouraging anyone who knows a veteran or first responder in need, to email [email protected].

To register or donate, visit 1ltwelchrunforourheroes.org.

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