Celebrating the bravery and sacrifice of our veterans and building community

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

6:30 AM Vendor Setup Begins

7:30 AM Run Registration Open

8:15 AM Opening Remarks

8:30 AM 10k Ruck Start

9:00 AM 10k Run/Walk Start

9:15 AM 5k Run/Walk Start

9:30 AM Festival and Beer Garden Opens

10:15 AM Run/Ruck Finisher Awards

10:25 AM Route All-Clear for Parade (Runners Complete)

10:30 AM Parade Starts

12:00 PM Parade Ends

3:30 PM Festival Ends (Tear Down begins 2:30 PM)

We couldn’t do this without the support of our generous and kind sponsors who believe in making Colorado Veterans Project a force for good in the pursuit of creating economic vitality and career vision for Veterans in the State of Colorado.

2025 sponsorship opportunities

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Every year Denver comes together to celebrate its local and national heroes.

On November 08,2025 the Colorado Veterans Project hosts Denver Veterans Day!

Join us! You do not want to miss out on this Patriotic commemoration celebrating and honoring our nations heros!

The Denver Veterans Day Run, Parade and Festival is held to celebrate and honor the brave men and women who have served our country. Our origins stem from a passion to recognize the sacrifices made by our veterans, create a vibrant community event where we can come together in gratitude and support the mission to help Veterans in Colorado create economic vitality through career advancement and entrepreneurship.

This event supports the mission of Colorado Veterans Project focused on supporting Veterans and Transitioning Active Duty in the pursuit of vibrant careers, meaningful employment, and successful entrepreneurship to continue a meaningful life full of purpose and fulfillment.

Our event involves collaboration with veteran and military focused organizations with the support and collaboration of the City of Denver, ensuring a heartfelt and engaging celebration.

Discover more about the host - Colorado Veterans Project

Denver Veterans Day Run

The 16th Annual Denver Veterans Day Run is a memorial 5K & 10K fun run to celebrate local Veterans. Recognized as “Denver’s Run for Veterans Day” by Mayor Mike Johnson, this fun run is open to runners, joggers, walkers, kids of all ages, and our canine supporters.

In addition we have our 10K Rippetoe Rucksack Challenge which honors Army Capt. Russel B Rippetoe, 27, of Arvada, Colorado; assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Fort Benning, Ga. Lost in action on April 3, 2003 learn more about Capt Rippetoe at the link above in our 10K Rippetoe call out!

Denver Veterans Day Parade

In support of Denver Veterans Day and the City of Denver. Colorado Veterans Project hosts the annual Veterans Day Parade. This year held on November 8, 2025 with a route that circles through Denver City Park.

Parade participants include Military ROTC, Retired Military, VFW Legions, Local High Schools, Classic and Vintage Car Clubs, National Guard contingents, Veteran Organizations and Commercial/Private/Public companies who want to celebrate and support Veterans.

Bring your patriotic spirit and join us for a fun day filled with gratitude for service.

Denver Veterans Day Festival

After you RUN for Veterans Day, join the festivities at the Denver Veterans Day Festival.

Vendor booths come out in force to celebrate veterans day, provide resource information, provide products, bring fun activties for adults and kids alike. Food vendors come out to bring Colorado flavors.

Bring your wares, your information, or your culinary delicacies to the Festival