Record-Breaking DAV 5K Boston Celebrates its 10th Anniversary in Style and Unifies the Massachusetts Veteran Community at DCR Fort Independence

November 11, 2025

The Sold-Out Crowd of 1,500+ Participants including 460+ Veterans Showed Up with Smiles, Energy, and Community Spirit for an Unforgettable Milestone Celebration

Boston, MA (November 11, 2025) /ENDURANCE SPORTSWIRE/ – This past weekend, the Disabled American Veterans (DAV) Department of Massachusetts and TRACS, Inc. hosted the 10th Annual DAV 5K Boston at DCR Fort Independence. This year’s race not only celebrated a decade of honoring veterans, it displayed what truly defines Boston in November: giving thanks. From the spirited opening ceremony, to the presence of America’s first veterans, the Lexington Minutemen, and resounding cheers at the finish line, this was a day that captured the Massachusetts veteran community like no other.

Even in the midst of a government shutdown, the Massachusetts veteran community stood tall. The sight of the Lexington Minutemen on the bluff was a fitting backdrop for these challenging circumstances, while the collective support of race participants, sponsors, volunteers and supporters was more heartfelt than ever. As the Minutemen started each wave with a rousing volley, the message at DCR Fort Independence was loud and clear; the New England running community shows up no matter what to support our local Massachusetts veterans.

During a time of the year centered on gratitude, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts has demonstrated its unwavering support for our local veteran community. This year, 1,500+ registered participants including a record 464 veterans (29% of participants) came together, emphasizing the race’s mission to honor those who served while raising critical funds and awareness for Disabled American Veterans Department of Massachusetts. Adding to this, an incredible $50,000+ was donated to the DAV MA through the race campaign in 2025.

“We are deeply moved by the energy and gratitude shown today,” added Dan Stack, CEO of the DAV Department of Massachusetts. “For 10 years, this race has brought together veterans, families, and supporters in a way that is uniquely Boston. The DAV 5K Boston has grown into a powerful tradition that honors service, builds community, and reminds us of all of the sacrifices made by our veterans. Thank you to all of our incredible participants, partners, volunteers and supporters that make the event possible and allow the DAV MA to provide direct services to local veterans in need. For all of our veterans, it was an honor to celebrate this milestone. Looking ahead to 2026, we are very excited to celebrate Massachusetts 250 with our DAV 5K Boston community.”

Thanks to the support of presenting sponsor Veterans Development Corporation (VDC), the cost of the event was covered, meaning every donation and sponsor contribution goes directly to local veteran services through the DAV MA. “This event embodies everything we stand for: honoring service, building community, and giving back to veterans who have given so much,” shared Mark Voner, CEO of Veterans Development Corporation. VDC presented the race for a third year in 2025, and their partnership has been instrumental in elevating the DAV 5K Boston into one of the city’s most recognized and celebrated Veterans Day Weekend traditions. Through VDC’s generous support over the last three years as presenting sponsor, the DAV 5K Boston has extended its consecutive sell-out streak to five years.

“The atmosphere at Castle Island was electric,” Fred Treseler, CEO of TRACS, Inc. and Race Director of the DAV 5K Boston. “You could feel the pride in every step, cheer, handshake, fistpump and hug. This event continues to show that Boston doesn’t just support its veterans, it celebrates them. None of this however, is possible without the joint efforts of Dan Stack and the DAV MA, our steadfast Race Committee, participants, partners, volunteers, supporters, and most important of all, our veterans.”

Over the past decade, the DAV 5K Boston has become more than an annual tradition—but a key part of the life-changing work of the DAV MA. Funds raised through the event help the organization provide critical services to disabled veterans and their families, from securing benefits and transportation to medical appointments to offering direct support during times of need. As the 10th anniversary celebration concludes, its legacy endures in the ongoing impact the DAV MA makes across the Commonwealth every single day.

With Massachusetts 250 celebrations on the horizon, participating in the 2026 DAV 5K Boston will be the perfect way to commemorate all of those who have ensured America’s independence. On the back of an incredible 10th Annual edition, early registration for 2026 is now open at dav5k.boston, which promises to be a special show of support for our Massachusetts veterans.

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

Media Contact

Fred Treseler
Race Director, DAV 5K Boston
https://dav5k.boston/
Email: events@tracs.net