40th ANNIVERSARY
Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk - a 4.4-Mile Race
Saturday, May 16, 2026 | A true gate-to-gate race is back!
A Legacy of Honor, A Return to Tradition
This Armed Forces Day, we invite you to be part of a historic moment as the Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk celebrates its 40th Anniversary by returning to its roots as a true gate-to-gate race. As a cornerstone of Eglin’s 96 FSS tribute to America 250, this landmark event proudly links four decades of local tradition with 250 years of our nation’s enduring spirit of service and sacrifice.
More than just a race, the Gate To Gate is a 4.4-mile journey of remembrance along its classic course. We run and walk to pay solemn tribute to America’s heroes—the brave men and women from all branches who made the ultimate sacrifice in defense of our freedoms. Join Team Eglin and the entire Northwest Florida community as we come together to show our unwavering support for those who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.
Whether you are a competitive runner striving for a personal best on the restored course or a family walking in quiet reflection, your presence makes a powerful statement. We invite you to dedicate your journey to a lost loved one, a military hero in your own life, or to all who have served. As we celebrate these incredible milestones, our foundational purpose remains resolute: to honor the fallen and remember their legacy.
Current as of: April 10, 2026
6:45 AM Opening Ceremony
7:00 AM Running Race Starts
7:15 AM Walking Race Starts
Non-DoW Online Registration Closes 11:59 PM, April 30, 2026.
DoW-Only Online Registration Closes 11:59 PM, May 15, 2026.
40th Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk Countdown
Registration
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Register by April 1, 2026 to guarantee your T-shirt size. Registration is limited to the first 1,500 entries. So, sign up early!
NOTE: Non-DoW online registration closes April 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT or when the last online slot is filled.
Feb. 1 – Apr. 19 | $50/person*
Apr. 20-30 | $60/person*
DoW-ONLY Late Registration**
May 1-15 | $60/person*
REGISTER ONLINE ⇒ 40th Gate To Gate Online Registration
DoW-Only In-Person Same Day**
May 16 | 5:30-6:30 a.m. | $60/person*
Between Field House Fitness Center and Bldg 720
* Cash or check will not be accepted. An additional administrative fee will be charged on the registration site.
** Registrations after April 30, 2026 will not be guaranteed a T-shirt or medal.
Team Registration
Team registration is back for the 2026 Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk! Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and form a team to honor our heroes while enjoying a morning filled with inspiration and camaraderie. There is a maximum of four members per team. Team categories include Male, Female, and Co-Ed.
Whether you’re competing for a personal best or simply walking together, being part of a team enhances the experience and strengthens our community bonds.
Register by April 1, 2026 to ensure your T-shirt size. Registration is limited to the first 1,500 entries. So, sign up early!
NOTE: Non-DoW online registration closes April 30, 2026 at 11:59 p.m. CT or when the last online slot is filled.
Feb. 1 – Apr. 19 | $50/person*
Apr. 20-30 | $60/person*
DoW-ONLY Late Registration**
May 1-15 | $60/person*
REGISTER ONLINE ⇒ 40th Gate To Gate Online Registration
DoW-Only In-Person Same Day**
May 16 | 5:30-6:30 a.m. | $60/person*
Between Field House Fitness Center Track and Bldg 720
* Cash or check will not be accepted. An additional administrative fee will be charged on the registration site.
** Registrations after April 30, 2026 will not be guaranteed a T-shirt or medal.
Bring-A-Friend Referral Bonus!
Referral bonuses continue in 2026! This is your opportunity to influence your personal network of family and friends. After your registration is completed, you will be able to invite family members and friends through a personalized referral link to register for the 40th Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk and earn money back.
For every three confirmed registrations from the personalized referral link, you will receive a $5 refund. The maximum refund is $25 per person.
The cutoff to earn the referral bonus is 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2026. Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to help family and friends discover the Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk! Plus, earn some money back.
Packet Pick-Up Information*
PACKET PICK-UP *
DoW and Non-DoW Participants
May 8-9, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Zatitude Luxury Apartments
(at the Freedom Tech Center) | 500 Liberty Lane NW, Ft Walton Beach
DoW Participants
May 11-15, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. | Main Exchange Food Court
Late Packet Pick-Up
Due to time constraints for transporting race participants from the East Gate finish to the West Gate start, we are unable to accommodate a same day packet pickup.
* Photo ID required to pick up packet.
Third-Party Pick-Up and Event Day Non-DoW Family/Guests
If you may need a third-party to pick up your packet, then ensure this person has a copy or picture of your drivers license.
We welcome runners’/walkers’ family members and/or guests to attend the event as part of your cheer squad. We need all non-DoW family members and/or guests names included during the registration process to be included in the security check no later than 11:59 p.m. on April 30, 2026. All family members and/or guests names will be submitted to the 96th Security Forces Squadron on Friday, May 1, 2026.
Registered non-DoW-ID cardholders will be placed on an Entry Authorization Letter (EAL) at the time of registration to allow base access on event day. EAL-Registered non-DoW ID-cardholders may enter through either the East Gate or the West Gate. Any person not included on the EAL will be turned away. Event Day wait times at the gate can be up to 45 minutes. Please plan accordingly.
40th Anniversary Gate To Gate Tote Giveaway
The 96th Force Support Squadron is celebrating the 40th Anniversary Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk, a designated Cornerstone America 250 event, with a special milestone-year giveaway.
The first 600 paid participants will receive a free commemorative tote, featuring the official 40th Anniversary design honoring four decades of remembrance, resilience, and community.
A limited number of totes will also be available for purchase at the Gate To Gate After Party on May 16, while supplies last.
Secure your spot, claim your tote, and be part of this historic year.
Celebrating the 40th Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk
For four decades, the Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk has united Airmen, families, veterans, and our Northwest Florida community in a powerful tradition of remembrance and resilience. This year, as we celebrate the 40th Anniversary of this iconic Eglin event, we’re proud to unveil a commemorative medal designed to honor the legacy of every runner who has crossed our gates since 1986.
A Design Rooted in Meaning
The 40th Anniversary medal features:
• A bold “40 Years” centerpiece marking this historic milestone
• Red poppy, symbolizing remembrance of our fallen heroes
• Blue laurel leaves, representing honor, strength, and unity
• A patriotic ribbon highlighting the 4.4‑mile Memorial Run/Walk and the spirit of Eglin AFB
Every detail reflects the heart of Gate To Gate — honoring those who served, celebrating those who run or walk, and connecting generations through shared purpose.
Limited to First 1,000 Finishers
To preserve the significance of this anniversary year, only 1,000 commemorative medals have been produced. Once they’re gone, they’re gone — making this one of the most collectible Gate To Gate medals ever released.
Whether you’re a longtime participant or joining us for the first time, this medal represents more than a finish line. It’s a tribute to the reason we run.
Secure Your Spot
Registration is open now, and medals will be awarded to the first 1,000 finishers. Lace up, honor the legacy, and be part of Gate To Gate history on May 16, 2026.
Experience Lex B Music Live at the Gate to Gate Finale!
Close out the Gate to Gate celebration in style at the after-party, located at the East Gate Sports Complex near the Field House Fitness Center. The evening will feature a can’t-miss performance by the incredible Lex B Music. An American Idol alum known for her soulful songwriting and captivating pop/R&B blend, Lex B’s heartfelt lyrics and powerful vocals are sure to create an unforgettable experience. Join us for an evening of fantastic music and great company
Eddie the Eagle's Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk Kids Run
The Eglin Youth Center proudly presents the traditional FREE GTG Kids Run at 8:30 a.m. at the running track next to the Field House Fitness Center. Participation is open to youth, ages 5 to 12, with base access.
Awards Information
OFFICIAL AWARD CEREMONY
Overall 1st through 3rd-place trophies for Males and Females (Runners and Walkers) and First Place Teams will begin at approximately 9:00 a.m. The official award ceremony will not include the first-place through third-place awards for the age categories.
FIRST-PLACE THROUGH THIRD-PLACE INDIVIDUAL AND 2ND + 3RD PLACE TEAMS AWARDS
First-place through third-place awards will be given to the following age groups: 12-17, 18-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70-79, and 80+. As the age category results take longer to confirm, we appreciate all participants patience to ensure the race results are fair and correct. We understand some participants may need to leave before all results are in. Please be assured we work diligently to ensure awards are received by the winners. We will contact you to coordinate the award pickup.
| 12-17 | 18-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70-79 | 80+ |
A link for race results will be posted on the official website and Facebook. Winners may pick up their trophy and a digital photo booth will be available for participants to take their own photos.
Race Results
Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk results will be available on race day! All participants can access race results online. (new URL coming).
Directions
From the North: Take Hwy 85 South to SR-387, follow the signs for Eglin AFB, and then follow the signs for Gate To Gate parking.
From the West: Take Hwy 85 North or SR-189 to SR-387, follow the signs for Eglin AFB, and then follow the signs for Gate To Gate parking.
From the East: Take John Sims Pkwy/SR-397 to the East Gate, contine on Eglin Blvd and follow the signs for Gate To Gate parking.
All DoW and EAL-Registered non-DoW participants and family/guests may enter through the WEST GATE or EAST GATE.
Important Information
- There will be no cash or check payment options for participants.
- All participants and guests without valid base REAL IDs MUST be pre-registered.
- It is HIGHLY encouraged to pick up your packet before the day of the race and get your pass. Wait times at the gate on race day are subject to be within 45 minutes.
- Photo ID is mandatory for base access and packet pick-up.
- There will be NO refunds!
- Due to security issues, the race is subject to change/cancellation (e.g. Force Protection Measure changes).
- Race packets will not be mailed.
- Participants must be in place 6:45 a.m. on the day of the race.
- 96 LRS will be shuttling participants by passenger bus from the East Gate Sports Complex to the Start Line.
- Shuttle bus transport to the Race Start will close at 6:30 a.m.
- Strollers are welcome, service dogs are authorized but NO PETS allowed!
- Strollers will not be permitted on the 96 LRS buses. Strollers will be placed on and transported by a stake truck.
- No skates, skateboards, or bicycles are allowed on the course.
- Participants who may be pregnant should consult with your physicians before entering the race.
Important Information for Non-DoW Personnel and Guests
Due to heightened security measures, Eglin Air Force Base (”EAFB”) has changed their base access procedures. All persons gaining access EAFB and materials are subject to search upon request by Security Forces (”SF”) personnel (ARRIVE EARLY). EAFB is a Federal installation and all Federal regulations apply as well as state and local laws.
As such contraband items are not authorized on federal properties to include: firearms, open or concealed; knives with blades in excess of 3 inches in length; or any possible weapons of any type; explosives, ammunition, incendiaries or fireworks of any type; and no illegal drugs or drug paraphernalia. In addition, limit backpacks or large hand carried items to minimally necessary.
Please review below and provide requested information for race participation. In accordance with the Eglin Air Force Base Integrated Defense Plan Annex W, Section III, Chapter 1, all Non-sDoW ID cardholders will be checked (vetted) through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) before being issued an installation entry pass or badge. Disclosure of this information is voluntary; however, declining to submit required information will result in registrants and guests being denied access to Eglin Air Force Base.