Where is the Walk?

The Walk begins and ends in the parking lot of the Pearland Natatorium & Recreation Center, located at 4141 Bailey Road in Pearland, Texas. Registration and opening ceremonies are inside the gym in the Recreation Center.

What is the distance of the Walk?

The main walk is a 4k (2.5 mile) loop. For participants desiring a shorter distance there will be a 1 mile option.

When does the Walk start?

On-site registration and check-in will be from 7:15 - 8:15 am. The ceremony to honor veterans begins at 8:30 am, and the walk will begin immediately afterward at about 8:45 am.

What is the walk route?

We begin in the parking lot of the Natatorium near the ball fields, adjacent to Veterans Drive. The route crosses Veterans Drive and proceeds behind the schools to McLean Road. We proceed north on McLean, turn left on Springfield Avenue, reverse direction at Spring Circle Drive West and follow Springfield Avenue back to Veterans Drive, where we turn right to return to the Natatorium.

Can I run the route instead of walking?

Of course! Run, walk, skip, hop - just come on out and support our veterans!

What is the cost to register?

Registration is $20 per person in advance on this website. Children under 17 can be registered for free if accompanied by a registered adult. On-site registration the day of the Walk will be $25 per person.

Do I need to register my children as well?

Yes, everyone who walks needs to be registered. Children under 17 can be registered for free, as long as they are accompanied by a registered adult.

Can I bring my dog?

The opening ceremonies for the Walk are in the gymnasium, which permits only service animals. Well-behaved dogs under the control of their owner are welcome on the walk itself on a lead. The lead must be no longer than 6 ft. and cannot be retractable. Notify the greeter at the side door and we will come out to assist you with registration. Please leave dogs in heat at home.

How do I register?

We encourage you to register in advance here. Advance registration will close at 5pm on Thursday, November 7. After November 7 you may register on-site the day of the Walk from 7:30 - 8:15 AM. Please plan to arrive no later than 8 AM if you intend to register on-site.

You may register on-site the day of the Walk from 7:30 - 8:15 AM. Please plan to arrive no later than 8 AM if you intend to register on-site.

How do I get an event shirt?

Event shirts can be purchased during online registration until October 15 for 20% off. After October 15, shirts will only be available for sale while supplies last on the day of the Walk. You will receive your pre-purchased shirts during check-in on the day of the Walk.

How do I receive a challenge medal?

The first 200 walkers/runners to finish the Walk will receive the 2024 edition of the Pearland Veterans Day Walk Challenge Medal. Keep the medal for yourself or share it with Vet in your life. Have more than one Veteran in your life? You will be able to purchase additional challenge coins during check-in before the walk starts.

BONUS: Bring your walker's bib to Rob Ray's Taproom at 2503 Covey Lane, Pearland 77584 between Nov. 9-17 and exchange it for a bar chip. Plus, for every bib turned in, a $5 donation will be made to Pearland Neighborhood Center!

Where will the proceeds from the Walk go?

The proceeds will benefit:

• Texas veterans battling PTSD and other inner challenges at the Camp Hope - PTSD Foundation of America
• Combat Marine Outdoors providing outdoor adventures for severely wounded Marines, Soldiers, Airmen, Sailors and Navy Corpsmen
• Area veterans in short-term need via the Pearland Community Assistance Providers, and
• programs to combat the stigma of PTSD and other mental illnesses at HIKE for Mental Health.

VA staff at the William Beaumont Army Medical Center receive donations for their patients the Pearland Veterans Day walk.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a reaction to highly stressful or traumatic events. People who suffer from PTSD often relive the experience through nightmares and flashbacks, have difficulty sleeping, and feel detached or estranged.

1 out of 6 veterans of Afghanistan or Iraq battles PTSD. Due to the stigma surrounding PTSD, many sufferers don’t seek help. But we can change that. PTSD is treatable.

If you or someone you know suffers from PTSD, seek help. It is a sign of strength, not weakness, to seek help for PTSD.

If you need to talk to someone who understands, call the National Vet Center at 877-927-8387. Calls are answered 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, by combat veterans who will care and understand.

I'd like to know more about becoming a sponsor.

Fantastic! Click here for more information about sponsorship levels and benefits.

I'd like to know more about volunteering for the Walk.

Thank you for your interest. Volunteer sign-up for this year has closed. Please check back for next year's walk.That's great - thank you. Click here to learn more about volunteering at the Pearland Veterans Day Walk.

What has been the history of the Pearland Veterans Day Walk?

Since our first Walk in 2014, more than 1,200 walkers and runners have raised and distributed more than $100,000 to local organizations supporting veterans and their families.

How can I get more information about the Walk?

Call Leo at (281) 219-9320 or email leo.walker@hikeformentalhealth.org.

HIKE for Mental Health organizes hikes and walks to bring awareness to the stigma surrounding mental illness.

Funds raised by these events support scientific research into causes and treatments for PTSD, schizophrenia, depression, and other major mental illnesses, as well as programs to combat the stigma of mental illness.

The all-volunteer 501(c)(3) nonprofit also helps preserve wilderness trails.

For more information, visit hikeformentalhealth.org or email leo.walker@hikeformentalhealth.org.