Sorry, Online Registration is Closed
June 11, 2022
9am Start Rain or Shine
Gardiner County Park, Bay Shore, NY
Every single day, more than twenty veterans in the nation die by suicide.
Tragically, suicide is attempted approximately every 26 seconds.
The reasons are as unique and individual as each veteran, as is every experience. Operation VEST’s mission is to address the different needs of our veteran population with the goal of eradicating veteran suicide, one at a time.
The purpose of a vest is to protect.
Operation VEST aims to do the same by working side by side with other local organizations and veterans to help fight the battle within. We believe we can achieve this by banding TOGETHER!
Operation VEST works to honor the hearts, the service and the sacrifices of our military service-members, regardless of backgrounds, beliefs, or political alignment. We believe supporting those who have served is the second-best way to honor a love of country, besides service itself.
They’ve had our 6. Now it’s time we show them we’ve got theirs. See you on 6/11!
Sponsored in part by
Also thank you to:
Steve Flotteron - Suffolk County Legislature
Coastal MD
PROUD MEMBER OF SUFFOLK COUNTY VETERANS RUN SERIES
In Partnership with USATF Long Island Track and Field Cross Country Series 
NEW ADD ON: DOG DIVISION!!! 🐾
Now you can officially register your best friend to cross the finish line with you! All furry “paw”ticipants will receive their own chip timed bib which slides on their collar! For completing the Dog Tag Dog Walk, all pawticipants will receive an Operation VEST bandana and a dog tag!
All proceeds raised from the Dog division will go to Paws of War. In an effort to maximize the impact of your donation and pawticipation, Operation VEST will triple to total amount raised!
*Please keep in mind, pooches are not able to pawticipate without a registered human.
For safety reasons and park rules, dogs must be on a 6' leash at all times.
AMENITIES
Race Day Agenda
8 am packet pickup begins
830 am FREE 1K Fun Run
840 am Opening Ceremony
9 am 2.2-mile start (dog walk division will be a staggered start. must be on a 6' leash at all times).
Parking
Gardiner County Park has very limited parking spaces and will also be open to the general public. There is no parking fee. Once the lot is full, participants will be directed to park on the SOUTH side of Montauk Hwy on the grass or on the adjacent side streets.
Ruck
Weigh-in will be at the Suffolk County Veterans Run Series tent on the day of after you pick up your bib. Official requirements are 10lbs if you are under 150lbs, 20lbs if you are over 150lbs.
Water
There will be a water stop at approx the 1-mile mark for all including the puppies! Water will also be provided at the end of the course for all participants.
Amenities
Water, bagels, oranges, Ralph's Ice (Huntington), Black 6 Coffee (veteran-owned, Long Island City)
Raffles (silent auction) cash/Venmo
Authentic dog tag for all finishers (same ball chain that's used by US Military)
Vendors
SAR Flag, Association for Mental Health & Wellness, Sail-A-Head, Paws of War, Bucket Bands, Suffolk County Veterans Run Series, Team RWB, Warrior Ranch
Awards (must be present to receive)
Run/Walk
Top 3 Overall M/F
Top 3 Age Groups (5 year) 14 & Under, 15-19, 20-24, 25-29, 30-34, 35-39, 40-44, 45-49, 50-54, 55-59, 60-64, 65-69, 70+
Ruck
Top 3 Overall M/F
Veteran
Top 3 Overall M/F
Dog Walk
Paw-ticipation award given out upon packet pick up
Registration Includes Dog Tags
Guaranteed T-Shirt if you register by Midnight May 15
Limited Quantity Finisher Medal
Ruck Division Includes GORUCK Patch
BENEFITS
Proceeds from the event go to Operation VEST. Operation VEST will also partner with local Veteran Service organizations in order to aid and assist in the eradication of veteran suicide
BIB PICKUP & REGISTRATION
Thursday, June 9th, 6PM - 8PM
Miller’s Ale House
1800 The Arches Cir.
Deer Park, NY 11729
Bring a friend and sign them up and/or pick up for a friend. Beat the rush on race day!
OR
Saturday, June 11th, Beginning 7AM
Gardiner County Park
Manor Lane & Montauk Highway,
Bay Shore, NY
COURSE
2.2 Trail Run in Gardiner Park
FEES
$35 Registration (2.2M Open & 2.2M Ruck Division) - Price will go up to $40 on June 10.
$40 Virtual Run (T-Shirt & Dog Tags - your packet will be mailed out by June 6).
QUESTIONS
Please email [email protected]
RUCK REQUIREMENTS
10lb weight for anyone under 150lbs
20lb weight for over 150lbs
Weigh-in will be at the Suffolk County Veterans Run Series tent on the day of after you pick up your bib.
RESULTS & PHOTOS
LIVE Online/Email/Text Results and FREE Video & Same-day finish line pics
Find Misc Photos on Facebook @elitefeats
VIRTUAL PARTICIPANTS
Upload your times & photos beginning 6/11 - 6/19
TRACKING YOUR DISTANCE
4 Laps to one Mile on a Track
Treadmill
MapMyRun.com
Find a Certified USATF Course
Some events display course maps at elitefeats.com
Many parks have measured 'fitness' trails open to the public
Download free app Strava & hit 'Record'
HOW TO POST TIMES
1. Cover ground whenever & wherever you'd like!
2. On Start Date visit elitefeats.com/Results - search this event.
3. Search your name - click Update.
4. Enter your time.
5. Optional upload up to 5 photos.
WHEN TO POST
EARLY REGISTRANTS (before start day) can start posting times ON start day!
LATE REGISTRANTS (after start day) allow up to 24 hours to post times.
BIB MAILING begins Monday prior to start day. If you register after this, please allow 3-5 business days to receive.
You don't need the bib to participate, it's a keepsake!
*LAST DAY TO REGISTER & POST TIMES IS 6/19
