Saturday, May 17, 2025
6:30 AM Opening Ceremony
7:00 AM Race Starts
4.4-Mile Run/Walk
Established in 1986, the Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk, a 4.4-mile competitive race, is long-standing Eglin AFB tradition to remember our heroes who have served in the military.  The date change matches up with Armed Forces Day in 2025. As Eglin has grown and we have Sister Services serving on Eglin AFB, we want to honor all branches.
We honor America’s lost heroes who died defending our country’s safety and freedom. We invite all to pay tribute to their sacrifice and show support for the men and women who have dedicated their lives to protecting our country.
Team Eglin is proud to present this Northwest Florida community event with options to run or walk in honor of a lost loved one in your own life or to honor a service member. Our purpose of remembering and honoring our fallen remains intact.
Photos by Samuel King Jr. | © U.S. Air Force
Online Registration
Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk is open to the public of all ages. Online registration is required. Participants who register by May 1 are guaranteed a t-shirt and event medal, which are limited to the first 1,200 entries. Sign up early!
Online registration closes at 11:59 p.m. CDT on May 1.
ONLINE REGISTRATION*
Early: Feb. 17 – Mar. 17 | $30/person**
Registration: Mar. 18 – May 1 | $45/person**
Click here to register online.
DoD-ONLY IN-PERSON LATE REGISTRATION*
Mon. – Fri., May 2-15 | 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. | $45/person**
Bldg. 210, 1st Flr, VanMatre Ave
DoD-ONLY IN-PERSON LATE REGISTRATION*
Fri., May 16 | 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | $45/person**
Zatitude Luxury Apartments located in Freedom Tech Center
500 Liberty Lane NW, Fort Walton Beach
DoD-ONLY SAME-DAY REGISTRATION*
Sat., May 17 | 5:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. | $45/person**
Unity Park, Eglin Air Force Base
* Registration after May 1 will NOT be guaranteed a t-shirt or medal.
** Cash or check will not be accepted. An additional administrative fee will be charged on the registration site.
Team Registrations Are Back!
We are thrilled to announce the return of team registrations for this year’s Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk! This is an incredible opportunity for military personnel, civilians, and community members to come together in a spirit of unity and remembrance.
Gather your friends, family, or coworkers and for a team to honor our heroes while enjoying a morning filled with inspiration and camaraderie. 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.
Gate-To-Gate Awards
FIRST-PLACE AWARDS
First-place for males and females runners and walkers will be awarded for the following age groups:
| 12-17 | 18-29 | 30-39 | 40-49 | 50-59 | 60-69 | 70-74 | 75+ |
As part of the feedback we received, we are keeping our awards ceremony shortened. As such, first place trophy winners will be displayed on a digital monitor. Winners may pick up their trophy and a photo backdrop and/or a digital photo booth will be available for participants to take their own photos.
OFFICIAL AWARD CEREMONY
Overall 1st – 3rd for Males and Females (Runners and Walkers) will begin at approximately 9:30 a.m.
COURSE RECORD
Michael Green, 2001 – 20:56
Monica O’Reilly, 1993 – 22:57
Referral Bonus
Referral bonuses continue in 2025! 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 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 May 1. 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
IN-PERSON PACKET PICK-UP*
DoD-Participants
Bldg 210, 1st Floor, VanMatre Ave, Eglin AFB
May 12-15, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
DoD and Non-DoD Participants
Zatitude Luxury Apartments located in Freedom Tech Center
(specific location within complex identified by directional signs)
500 Liberty Lane NW, Fort Walton Beach
May 16, 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
LATE PACKET PICK-UP*
Packets can be picked up at Unity Park on May 17, 5:30 a.m. to 6:45 a.m. only. Â Due to time constraints, it is HIGHLY recommended participants pick up packets PRIOR to event day.
*Â Photo ID required to pick up packet.
Third-Party Pick-Up and Event Day Non-DoD Family/Guests
If you may need a third-party to pick up your packet, then this person will need to be included in your registration for the security check.
We welcome runners’/walkers’ family members and/or guests to attend the event as part of your cheer squad. We need all non-DoD family members and/or guests names included during the registration process to be included in the security check.
Registered non-DoD-ID cardholders will be placed on an Entry Authorization Letter (EAL) at the time of registration to allow base access on event day. Entry for all non-DoD-ID cardholders is through the West Gate only. 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.
Race Day Information
TIME, LOCATION, & COURSE
For 2025, the loop route returns. The event is held at the corner of Chinquapin Dr. and Eglin Blvd. on Eglin AFB. Runners start at 7 a.m., and walkers start at 7:10 a.m. Gate To Gate Memorial Run/Walk will be held rain or shine. All participants must be finished by 9 a.m. The 4.4-mile course starts at Unity Park, follows Eglin Blvd. to Memorial Trail and ends at Unity Park. There will be red poppies for participants to drop at the All-Wars Memorial.
Race Day Information
PARKING
Parking will be at Unity Park. Parking attendants will be directing traffic to available general parking, handicap parking, and Distinguished Visitor (DV). Participants must be in place at the starting line by 6:30 a.m. Event Day wait times at the gate can be up to 45 minutes. We highly encourage participants to arrive early. (Click the link below: 2025 Gate-To-Gate Parking, Site Map, and Schedule)
FESTIVITIES
Please join us at Unity Park for complimentary refreshments for all runners and walkers. There will also be food trucks if you or your family and guests would like to purchase food and beverages. (Click the link below: 2025 Gate-To-Gate Parking, Site Map, and Schedule)
2025 Gate-To-Gate Parking, Site Map, and Schedule
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.Â
The WEST GATE is the mandatory gate for all DoD ID-cardholders AND Non-DoD ID-cardholders for smooth traffic flow to the event site.Â
View the 2025 Gate-To-Gate Road Closures map.
The 96th Force Support Squadron thanks our Team Eglin partners, Sponsors, Helping Agencies, and our fantastic customers for their continued support of service members.
Race Results
Gate-To-Gate Memorial Run/Walk results will be available on race day! Results will be available on a display monitor. All participants can also access race results here.
Important Information
- All participants and guests without valid DoD ID cards MUST be pre-registered by no later than May 1 and enter through the West Gate.
- There will be no cash or check payment options for event registration.
- Food and beverages are available for purchase at the after-party at vendor food trucks.
- It is HIGHLY encouraged to pick up your packet before the event day and get your pass. Wait times at the gate on event 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 event is subject to change/cancellation (e.g., Force Protection Measure changes)
- Packets will not be mailed.
- No skates, skateboards, or bicycles are allowed on the course.
- Participants who may be pregnant should consult with your physician before entering the run/walk.
- Strollers are welcome.
- Service dogs are authorized, but NO PETS allowed.
- Participants must be in place at the START line by 6:30 a.m.
Important Information for Non-DoD Personnel and Guests
Due to heightened security measures, Eglin AFB has changed their base access procedures. All persons gaining access to Eglin Air Force Base (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.Â
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.Â
Please review below and provide requested information for event participation. In accordance with the Eglin Air Force Base integrated Defense Plan Annex W, Section III, Chapter 1, all Non-DoD ID cardholders will be checked (vetted) through the National Crime Information Center (NCIC) before being issued an installation entry pass or badge. Disclosure of the is information is voluntary; however, declining to submit required inforamtion will result in registrants and guests being denied access to Eglin AFB.
Photos by Samuel King Jr. | © U.S. Air Force