Battle of the Branches 5K

 

Battle of the Branches is an annual event to raise awareness in the fight against Veteran suicide.

The 5K Run / Walk event is a friendly competition between all branches of the military.

One Branch wins the title for the most registered participants.

but the real WINNERS are the Veterans, their families, and those of you who registered for the event.

Proceeds from this event support Veteran-specific services, including Navigation, Peer Support, Advocacy, and Education

 

It is estimated that at least one in five Veterans and service members will struggle with substance abuse, relationship issues, stress, hopelessness, and even thoughts of suicide. It is reported that 22 Veterans per day complete suicide, which is substantially higher in comparison to the general population. As part of the Rally Point Arizona Navigator program, the goal is to reduce those numbers.

 

Rally Point Navigators provide the needed guidance, access to resources, and peer support necessary to ensure those who have served us know they are not alone. While services provided are free to Veterans, military members, and their families, financial support through fundraisers, donations, and sponsorships is needed to support the Rally Point Arizona Navigator program and any veteran-specific services. To learn more about Rally Point Arizona, visit https://www.rallypointaz.org/

 

Your registration helps in the Fight against Veteran Suicide.

 

Children ages 12 and under Save $15 on your 5K registration!

Discount reflected during registration.

Event details and schedule

Mail-in Registration 

To register by mail please complete and return our Mail-in Registration Form! Please make checks payable to StartLine Racing. If you choose to mail in your registration then you do not need to pay the online processing fees.

 

 

Virtual Run Details 

Can’t attend the event in-person? Not a fan of crowds? Prefer to run your own race?

You can still support Veterans and their families no matter where you are and you still get all the swag without paying for extra shipping. Battle of the Branches 5K Run/Walk offers a Virtual Race. A virtual race is a race that can be ran at any location. You can walk, use the treadmill, run outside or participate in another race. You can run your race at your pace wherever you like. All virtual race participants will receive a custom event finisher's medal and custom event dri-fit tech t-shirt. Prior to the event all virtual participants will receive an email with instructions on how to submit your time. Please note that all items will be shipped following the event on October 3rd.

Virtual Registrations are restricted to US addresses only. If you reside outside of the US and wish to participate please contact StartLine Racing at [email protected]

 

 

What You Get! 

Custom Event Finisher's Medal for all participants

Custom Event Dri-Fit Tech T-Shirt for all participants. 

Age Group Awards for Top Three Male and Female in all Age Groups (Race Day Participants only). Our age groups are the following:

• 8 & Under, 9 & 10, 11-13, 14-17, 18-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70-74, 75-79, 80 & Over

Pre- and Post-Race "Runner's Brunch" (granola bars, fruit, water, Gatorade, etc)

Chip Timed with Real Time Results and Photos on our Website or Mobile App (on Apple and Google)

Event managed by StartLine Racing. Club SLR discounts do not apply.

Please note any race related items (shirts, medals, etc.) will NOT be mailed to those that do not attend.

 

 

Race Day Information 

Race day packet pickup and registration will open at 6:30am at Arizona Falls

We accept cash, and credit cards on race day.

• Prices on race day will be $50
• Shirt sizes are not guaranteed for those who register on race day.

We welcome wheelchairs, strollers & wagons. You must start at the back of the pack.

Bicycles, roller blades/skates, skateboards or motorized devices are not allowed on the run or walk courses.

Leashed pet friendly event

Due to the common start/finish line, there is no bag check for this event.

This event will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds or transfers due to weather.

Race Day Parking will be located at:

• Prince of Peace Lutheran Church - 3641 N. 56th St, Phoenix AZ 85018 (map)
• Arcadia Park - 3402 N. 56th St, Phoenix AZ 85018 (map)
• Ingleside Middle School - 5402 E. Osborn Road, Phoenix AZ 85018 (map)

 

 

Course Map 

5K Course Map

 

 

Packet Pick-Up Opportunity 

Packet pick up will be available on race day starting at 6:30am at Arizona Falls (race site)

 

 

Event schedule 

•   Sat, October 3, 2026 6:30 AM - Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration Opens
•   Sat, October 3, 2026 7:00 AM - Welcome Address
•   Sat, October 3, 2026 7:20 AM - Color Guard Presentation
•   Sat, October 3, 2026 7:25 AM - Race Day Packet Pickup and Registration Closes
•   Sat, October 3, 2026 7:30 AM - 5K Begins
•   Sat, October 3, 2026 8:30 AM - Closing Ceremony and Awards Begins (approx.)