On Saturday, November 9, 2024, Railroad Park was filled with students, faculty, staff, and community members celebrating Veterans Day by taking part in the second annual UAB Veterans Day 5K. Hosted by UAB Student Affairs and Veterans Services, the event saw over 1,000 participants come together to support UAB’s student veterans.

This year’s race marked the first collaboration with Girls on the Run (Birmingham), bringing hundreds of young girls and their families to join the race, further adding to the day’s excitement.

Walter Stewart, UAB Veterans Services director, expressed pride and gratitude for the turnout. “We had over 1,000 runners, walkers, little girls walking with their parents. A very enthusiastic community came out and supported the event as well as the university. I couldn’t be any prouder,” Stewart said.

Beyond fostering community and fun, the Veterans Day 5K had a meaningful purpose. Proceeds from the event directly supported the UAB Veteran Relief Fund, which assists veteran and active-duty students with essential needs like housing, healthcare, and textbooks. “Something like this is necessary,” Stewart added. “The funds raised here support our UAB veteran students and their dependents, providing emergency aid when they encounter hard times.”

For those interested in contributing to the UAB Veterans Services Emergency Fund or learning more about UAB Veterans Services, please visit UAB Veterans Services for additional information.