There's something truly special about community events that bring people together for a purpose bigger than themselves. The inaugural Bubba's 33 Fayetteville Run, Walk, and Roll 5K is one of those rare opportunities where fitness, family fun, and philanthropy intersect in the most meaningful way. Taking place on Saturday, July 25, at Rick's Place, this event isn't just another race. It's a celebration of community spirit and a powerful show of support for our nation's heroes. 

Every step, stride, or roll in this 5K directly benefits Homes For Our Troops, a remarkable organization dedicated to building specially adapted custom homes for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. These aren't just houses. They're lifelines that restore freedom, independence, and dignity to those who sacrificed so much defending our country. When you participate in this event, you're not just crossing a finish line; you're helping Veterans who've sustained multiple limb amputations, paralysis, blindness, severe burns or traumatic brain injuries rebuild their lives with their families. 

The location itself adds another layer of significance to this gathering. Rick's Place, at 5572 Shenandoah Drive, is a beautiful 50-acre interactive greenspace just 5.5 miles from Fort Bragg, serving as a welcoming haven for military families and those who support them. It's the perfect backdrop for an event that honors service, sacrifice, and community connection. Open dawn-to-dusk and free for military families to enjoy year-round. 

This isn't your typical run-of-the-mill 5K event. From the moment racers arrive for morning registration at 7 a.m., they’ll feel the welcoming atmosphere that makes this experience truly memorable. Light snacks and beverages await participants before the race, and every registered runner, walker, or stroller receives a commemorative T-shirt and swag bag. Tangible reminders of your contribution to this important cause.

The event kicks off at 7:45 a.m. with the national anthem, setting the perfect tone for what's to come. True to its name, the Run, Walk, and Roll format is genuinely inclusive, welcoming everyone from avid runners chasing their personal best to casual walkers enjoying the morning air, and participants using wheelchairs or pushing strollers. The timed 5K trail layout accommodates all fitness levels, and there's often a shorter 1-mile fun run/walk option available for families or younger participants who want to be part of the action without tackling the full distance.

But the real magic happens after participants cross the finish line. The post-race celebration transforms the event into a full-blown community festival, complete with a silent auction, exciting raffles, valuable prizes, vendor pop-up tents showcasing local businesses and the opportunity to grab a delicious Bubba's 33 lunch. It's the perfect opportunity to connect with fellow participants, celebrate accomplishments and continue supporting the cause through additional fundraising activities.

Homes For Our Troops is a publicly funded 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a crystal-clear mission: building and donating specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. These aren't cookie-cutter modifications. Each home is carefully designed to meet the specific needs of Veterans dealing with life-altering injuries.

The impact is profound and immediate. These specially adapted homes enable Veterans to regain the independence they thought was lost forever. Simple daily activities that many of us take for granted, like cooking a meal, taking a shower and moving freely through their home, become possible again. This restoration of independence allows Veterans to focus their energy where it matters most: on their families, their recovery, and rebuilding fulfilling lives beyond their injuries.

Every dollar raised through Bubba's 33 Fayetteville 5K goes directly to this mission. Participating as an individual runner, bringing family for the fun run, or organizing a team from the workplace or community group contributes to a tangible solution that transforms lives. Events like this combine immediate community engagement with long-term impact. You'll leave feeling energized and accomplished, knowing that your participation creates lasting change for Veterans and their families.

To register or donate, visit https://give.ourhfotusa.org/event/bubbas-33-fayetteville-5k-2026/e782916. If you have any questions about this event, please email Victoria Burris at bubbas461marketing@bubbas33.com or call 910-223-2601.