Woodland Creek Memorial Day 5K draws runners, veterans and military families to honor fallen service members
PIKE ROAD, Ala. (WAKA) — More than 300 runners, walkers, veterans and military families gathered Monday morning for the fourth annual Woodland Creek Memorial Day 5K, honoring fallen service members while raising money to expand local trails in the River Region.
The race, held in the Woodland Creek neighborhood in Pike Road, brought together participants from across the area to complete the 3.1-mile course. Some runners carried American flags or wore the names of fallen loved ones in tribute to those who lost their lives in military service.
Organizers said the event, which Sarah Cole and her son Finn started in 2023, serves as both a Memorial Day tribute and a way to strengthen community connections.
“We are here for the community to support Montgomery but also to honor our military members because it is Memorial Day today, so we’re kind of all coming together to honor and to be together,” said Megan Danielson, co-director of the race.
All proceeds from the race benefit River Region Trails, a nonprofit organization working to expand pedestrian greenways, parks and outdoor recreational resources throughout the Montgomery area.
“All the proceeds are going to River Region Trails supporting trails in Montgomery, connecting our communities and neighborhoods,” said Sarah Cole. “We’ve always donated to them. We are super excited about their work here, and we partner with local businesses for sponsorships and the raffle. Every year we grow in numbers. It’s really exciting.”
Participants also enjoyed raffle prizes featuring gift cards from local businesses, free doughnuts, inflatable attractions and yard games. Adults 21 and older received complimentary beers following the race.
One of the event’s most meaningful traditions is the presentation of handcrafted wooden medals made from trees in the Woodland Creek community.
