CPT Drew Russell Warrior Run

THE CPT DREW RUSSELL Warrior RUN IS GOING TO HAVE A "LIVE" AND VIRTUAL RACE FOR 2026

About This Event: This 5K Run/Walk is in memory of Captain Drew Russell, a WMU ROTC alumni. He was Killed-In-Action in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan on October 8, 2011. As an active member within his community of Scotts, Michigan and a 2004 graduate of Vicksburg High School, he is remembered as a stand-up man who was always looking out for his friends and family with a great sense of humor. After earning his commission as a Second Lieutenant in Armor through Western Michigan University’s ROTC Program, he was stationed at Fort Carson, Colorado to carry out his time as an active duty Armor officer. Captain Russell was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Purple Heart for his actions in battle. He was survived by his mother, Patti, his father, Jim and his brother, James. In Captain Russell’s remembrance, an endowed scholarship was established for Western Michigan University students by his classmates. This event raises money for that scholarship to be awarded to a Cadet in the program. 

Event Location:

• Live Race - April 18, 2026. 2000 W Michigan Ave, Kalamazoo, MI 49008
• Virtual Race - Anywhere between April 18, 2026 to April 25, 2026. 

Event and Schedule:

• Packet Pickup and “Same Day” Registration will begin at 7:30am. All participants will report to the check in table to receive their t-shirt. 
• Race Begins at 8:30 am with the National Anthem and Boomer Start Gun
• Awards will be given to those who have placed after they finish.

Registration Fees:

• Early Bird Registration Pricing - $20.00 until Feb 23rd  (11:59 pm)
• Regular Registration Pricing - $25.00 from Feb 24th to April 17th  (11:59 pm)
• To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 10th (11:59 pm)

Tee Shirts:

• To Be Guaranteed a T-Shirt, participants must register before March 10th (11:59 pm).  Extra shirts will be ordered and available on a “First Come – First Serve” Basis.
• For in-person race participants T-shirts will be picked up on race day at the registration table 
• For virtual participants, the T-shirt will be mailed out to you. 

Awards:

• Winners in each category will be awarded a medal! Only in-person participants will be eligible for a medal.
• Categories:
  
  • Top Runner Below 25 years old (Male and Female)
  • Top Runner between 26 and 40 years old (Male and Female)
  • Top Runner above 41 years old (Male and Female)

Frequently Asked Questions:

• Can my Dog Participate in the race with me?
  • Yes! Dogs are welcome as long as they remain on a leash and you clean up after them!
• Can I push a stroller during this race?
  • Yes!

For any questions, please contact: 

Matt Alexander

Work phone: (269) 387-8125
Email: matthew.alexander@wmich.edu