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FLAG · PRE-LAUNCH · STARTS JUNE 14SAN FRANCISCO → WASHINGTON, D.C. · 3,200 MILESNOMINATIONS OPEN · HONOR A VETERAN250 RUNNERS · 21 DAYS · ARRIVING JULY 4, 2026AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY
FLAG · PRE-LAUNCH · STARTS JUNE 14SAN FRANCISCO → WASHINGTON, D.C. · 3,200 MILESNOMINATIONS OPEN · HONOR A VETERAN250 RUNNERS · 21 DAYS · ARRIVING JULY 4, 2026AMERICA'S 250TH BIRTHDAY
RELAYFOR AMERICA

A relay built by Americans, for Americans.

We come from the military, the classroom, the road, the boardroom, and the training block. We came together because the country needed a simple thing to do together.

Relay For America was founded on a conviction: that Americans remember best when they move together, and that the people who served this country deserve more from the rest of us than a speech once a year.

Our team brings together active and retired military, endurance athletes, educators, and operators who've built civic movements before. We've done the hard parts — the funding, the routing, the permitting, the production. What we need now is the people. Your mile. Your nomination. Your name next to theirs.

THE TEAM

The people behind the miles.

JN

Joe Nail

VETERAN

Founder & Director

U.S. Army National Guard · 50 marathons

AA

Alex & Adrien

Operations Lead

Logistics & route planning

JR

Jess & Rob

Partnerships & Outreach

Community activation

BA

Brooke & Andrew

Athletic Program

Runner recruitment & training

W

William

Production & Media

Film, photo, and tribute artifacts

The mission

Every dollar raised goes directly to organizations that serve veterans and their families year-round. Our beneficiary partners are Team RWB and the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

The relay does more than raise money. It puts 3,000 names in front of a nation — on film, on screen, on the road, and on the lips of every runner who carries the flag through their town. It turns the abstract into the personal, and the personal into the permanent.

Frequently asked questions

What is Relay For America?+

A coast-to-coast relay spanning 3,200 miles from San Francisco to Washington, D.C., carried by 250 runners over 21 days. Each mile honors a veteran who served this country.

When does it happen?+

June 14 to July 4, 2026 — Flag Day to Independence Day — arriving in the nation’s capital on America’s 250th birthday.

How do I nominate a veteran?+

Visit our Nominate page to submit a veteran’s name, branch of service, and a short tribute. Nominations are open now and reviewed on a rolling basis.

Can I run a leg?+

Yes! Visit our Run a Leg page to apply. Legs range from 5 to 26 miles depending on terrain. All paces welcome — walkers, joggers, and runners.

Where does the money go?+

100% of net proceeds go to veterans organizations, including Team RWB and Special Operations Warrior Foundation. We publish our financials annually.

How can I get involved?+

Nominate a veteran, donate to the mission, volunteer along the route, or run a leg yourself. Every form of support moves the flag forward.

Is this a nonprofit?+

Yes. Relay For America is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. All donations are tax-deductible to the fullest extent of the law.

Who are the beneficiary organizations?+

Team RWB, which builds community through physical and social activity for veterans, and Special Operations Warrior Foundation, which provides college scholarships and counseling to families of fallen special operators.

Get in touch

Run with us.

Whether it's one mile or one thousand, every American has a place in this relay.

NOMINATE A VETERANVOLUNTEER