Sixth consecutive sell-out reflects overwhelming community support for Massachusetts veterans as Boston prepares to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary
BOSTON, MA – August 17, 2026 – The 11th Annual DAV 5K Boston has officially sold out in record time, with all 1,500 race registrations claimed 82 days before race day on Saturday, November 7, 2026.
The milestone represents the fastest sell-out in DAV 5K Boston history and the event’s sixth consecutive sold-out race, underscoring the extraordinary support of the Greater Boston community for local veterans and the programs and services of Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts (DAV MA).
This year’s field includes 375 veterans, while 54% of all registrations came from returning participants, reflecting the loyalty, tradition and deep community support that have grown around the event.
The record-setting demand comes as Massachusetts and the nation commemorate the 250th anniversary of the United States, adding special significance to a Veterans Day Weekend celebration held at historic DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island.
A Veterans Day Weekend Tradition in Boston
Each November, veterans, families, runners, volunteers, sponsors and spectators gather along Boston Harbor for a morning centered on service, community and celebration.
The DAV 5K Boston has become a signature Veterans Day Weekend tradition in Boston, featuring the iconic howitzer blast to start the race, a flat and scenic 5K course along Castle Island, made-in-Massachusetts finisher medals featuring DCR Fort Independence, and a post-race celebration where veterans and supporters come together as one community.
Proceeds and awareness generated through the event support the work of DAV Department of Massachusetts and its programs serving veterans across the Commonwealth.
“We are incredibly proud that the DAV 5K Boston has sold out for the sixth consecutive year — and faster than ever before,” said Dan Stack, CEO of DAV Department of Massachusetts. “The response from the community sends a powerful message to our veterans: Massachusetts remembers their service and stands behind them.”
“This year carries even greater meaning as our nation celebrates its 250th anniversary. There is no more fitting place to gather than Boston and historic DCR Fort Independence, where we can honor generations of Americans who have served and protected the freedoms we celebrate today.”
Community Support Drives Record Demand
The 2026 sell-out continues a remarkable run of increasingly early sell-outs:
- August 17, 2026
- September 21, 2025
- October 18, 2024
- October 29, 2023
- October 27, 2022
- November 3, 2021
“This is much bigger than reaching 1,500 registrations,” said Fred Treseler, CEO of TRACS and Race Director of the DAV 5K Boston. “Six consecutive sell-outs — and the fastest sell-out in race history — demonstrate just how strongly this community wants to show up for our local veterans.
“Veterans, families, runners, volunteers, sponsors, spectators and partners have made the DAV 5K Boston one of the most meaningful weekends of our year. To bring everyone together at DCR Fort Independence during America’s 250th anniversary will make the 2026 race especially memorable. We can’t wait to celebrate our local veteran community at DCR Fort Independence at Castle Island on Veterans Day Weekend.”
Strong Partnerships Enhance the Race Experience
The DAV 5K Boston’s continued growth is also supported by longtime registration partner RunSignup, whose technology helps TRACS manage registration, volunteer recruitment, sponsor management, participant communications and race-day engagement.
For 2026, the DAV 5K Boston introduced embedded hero video within its RunSignup registration page header, bringing the energy and atmosphere of race day directly into the registration experience. After working closely with the RunSignup team, the DAV 5K Boston became one of the first races on the platform to roll out the new embedded video feature in mid-June.
“RunSignup gives us the tools and insights to connect with participants throughout the entire race journey,” said Freddie Treseler, Vice President of TRACS. “We have invested heavily in creating memorable race-day experiences and capturing that energy through compelling photo and video content. Working with the RunSignup team to bring the race highlight video into the registration experience was an important next step, allowing us to share the excitement of the DAV 5K Boston with our community before they ever arrive at the start line.
“That connection has helped us strengthen an already passionate community and build tremendous momentum around the event. This year’s record sell-out is ultimately a testament to the veterans, participants and supporters who continue to make the DAV 5K Boston so special.”
With registration now closed, attention turns to Saturday, November 7, 2026, when 1,500 registered participants and the broader Greater Boston community will gather at DCR Fort Independence to kick off Veterans Day Weekend, celebrate America’s 250th anniversary and, most importantly, honor the veterans who have served our country.
About Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Massachusetts
DAV is dedicated to a single purpose: empowering veterans to lead high-quality lives with respect and dignity. We accomplish this by ensuring veterans and their families can access the full range of benefits available to them; fighting for the interests of America’s injured heroes on Capitol Hill and at the State House in Boston; and educating the public about the great sacrifices and needs of veterans transitioning back to civilian life. Our veterans need your support. For more information, visit davma.org.
About TRACS, Inc.
TRACS is a sports marketing firm focused on helping organizations around the globe strategically design, build, and manage branded engagements that inspire people and deliver results for partners and participants alike. Based in Boston and specializing in the running industry, TRACS has been putting organizations first for 40+ years. The TRACS team has partnered with the DAV 5K Boston since 2019. For any race inquiries, please email events@tracs.net.