Thanks everyone who made the 2022 Race a success!

Each September the Tampa VAN (Veteran Approved Network) holds its annual Fallen Hero 5K | 10K event the week of that somber anniversary to honor all fallen heroes and to pay tribute to those still in service. Runners choose this event to dedicate their efforts to those who have died for us and those who continue to put their lives on the line in service to our country and community.

At 2022’s Race, hundreds gathered to commemorate the day and fallen heroes from all services including military, law enforcement, and first responders. The presentation of colors included the Alonso High School Color Guard and a 38-foot tall American Flag from Big Blue Line Flag. Ms. Kat Casperson sang the National Anthem followed by special guests Jay Collins (for Florida Senate) and MAJ GEN (ret) James S. “Hammer” Hartsell, Executive Director of Florida Veterans’ Affairs. Both men took a moment to recognize the day and its purpose before wishing the runners ‘Godspeed’.

At race start, more than 300 runners took to the trail that was lined with Remembrance Signs of fallen heroes. To honor fallen heroes, these remembrance signs are placed along the race route reminding runners that our fallen heroes may be gone but not forgotten. All proceeds from the sponsoring of Remembrance Signs and all donations to the race were given to Gold Star Mother, Kelly Kowall and her organization, My Warrior’s Place in Ruskin, Florida.

As the first runners began to cross the finish line the event’s focus moved to the children where a Fallen Hero 100-yard Kids Dash allowed the smallest patriots to run and earn a race medal alongside their parents and guardians. Adults and children alike enjoyed the Veterans’ Village where more than 20 Vetted for Vets business members and non-profit organizations of the VAN (Veteran Approved Network) gathered to give out free merchandise, B12 Shots, Massages, and other goods. Food tickets were provided to the runners to enjoy food from Sarge’s BBQ and treats from Kona Ice.

The Veteran Approved Network and Vetcoin Foundation Proudly Present the 2022 Fallen Hero 5k | 10K

The 2021 inaugural Fallen Hero 5k was an amazing success and this year will be even better! Our Tampa race location at Al Lopez Park brings the event home to our great city, Tampa! The new location will provide space for our ‘Veterans Village’ a place for music, food, and vendors after the run. The message behind the run remains the same, to honor and remember our fallen heroes while paying tribute to those that are currently in the line of duty. With every footfall, heartbeat, and bead of sweat, our runners run for them, the heroes who paid the ultimate sacrifice.

The 2022 Fallen Hero 5k | 10k opening ceremony will be an event in itself with local singer and performer, Kat Lanford-Casperson singing the National Anthem. Winners of each race will be awarded 1000 Vetcoin, a Vetcoin Gold Medal, and Special NFT with unlockable content. Winner categories include; 5k & 10k Male winner, 5k & 10k Female winner, 5k & 10k Masters Runner Male, 5k & 10k Masters Runner Female.

All race participants will receive a NineLine Race T-shirt, a Custom Race Medal, an NFT Medal, and, a Custom Race Bib!

We are very happy to announce Toyota of Tampa Bay as our Platinum Sponsor again this year. They, along with the other Fallen Hero 5k | 10k Sponsors and the Network’s very own Vetted For Vets Business Members will be set up at the Veterans Village for after-race fun with giveaways, special offers, and discounts. Sarge’s BBQ will be onsite with their famous food truck too!

This wouldn’t be the Fallen Hero 5k | 10k without these remembrance signs being placed along the race route. The faces on these signs are the reason that we run! If you have a Fallen Hero you would like to honor, place your order for a remembrance sign today. Be sure to provide the required information including an emailed photo of your Hero.