What are the registration fees? 

- Adult registration: $35
- Children ages 6 to 17: $15
- Children ages 0-5 are free and do not need to register; however, they will not receive a participant kit.

Are there any discounts or promo codes?

- Active military/veterans receive $5 off with promo code HONOR2023
- WWP Alumni and one guest are free. To obtain a promo code, email us at [email protected].

As a participant, what do I receive with my registration? 

All registered participants will receive an official Carry Forward participant kit, complete with a drawstring bag, bib, flag, medal, and more, to get ready for your 5K. In addition, your fee also counts toward your fundraising goal. Click here to view all fundraising incentives.

How do I register my child?

At the end of your registration, you will have the option to add children ages 6-17 to your registration. Children 5 and younger are free and do not need to register; however, they will not receive a participant kit. 

Can I register multiple people? 

Each adult must register themselves with a unique email address, however; you may register a minor as part of your registration.

I’d like to fundraise on Facebook. What do I need to do?

The steps for activating your Facebook fundraiser are outlined here.

I want to carry a FLAG. Does Carry Forward provide one?

All registered participants will receive a small Carry Forward flag in their participant kits that may be used, or you may bring a flag of your choosing. American and WWP flags and flag poles are also available for purchase at City series events.

I want to participate in the FITNESS category. What are the rules?

For the Carry Forward Virtual 5K and supporters hosting their own Carry Forward event, participants will provide their own weights. 

For in-person events, we encourage you to bring your own weights, a weight vest, a medicine ball, etc. If you’d like to add some more weight when you get to the event, we will have weight stations at the event with one-pound sandbags. Participants are welcome to load up with them and return them at the end of the course near the finish line.

I want to participate in the FIERCE category. What are the rules?

You’re awesome! Way to push yourselves and ultimately honor warriors by symbolizing the WWP logo — one warrior carrying another. While you need at least two registrants to participate, there are no rules when it comes to how many more people in your squad are carrying each other back and forth during the 5K, or how long you carry each other. Most squads carry fireman-style, but some piggyback as well. How you choose to carry FIERCE is all you (just make sure to lift with your legs, not your back!).

How do I get a t-shirt?

Fundraise or donate $100 or more and receive a Carry Forward t-shirt. Reminder – your registration fee counts toward your fundraising total!

Are strollers allowed at Carry Forward in-person events?

Yes, but we ask that strollers remain toward the back of the start line.

Is Carry Forward a timed event?

Due to the range of challenges and athletic abilities, Carry Forward is not a timed race. However, if you would like to track your activity while training for Carry Forward or during the event, we encourage you to download the Carry Forward app from the App Store or Google Play. As of December 2022, the app integrates with Apple Health, Google Fit, Garmin, FitBit, and Strava. For all the competitors out there, there will be a time clock at the finish line of in-person events!

Where do I register?

Start here. Select the event you want to join and click on the Register Now button.

What are the registration fees? 

- Adult registration: $35
- Children ages 6 to 17: $15
- Children ages 0-5 are free and do not need to register; however, they will not receive a participant kit.

Are there any discounts or promo codes?

- Active military/veterans receive $5 off with promo code HONOR2023
- WWP Alumni and one guest are free. To obtain a promo code, email us at [email protected].

How do I get a promo code if I am a WWP Alumnus?

Please email us at [email protected] to receive a promo code.

How old does a participant have to be to register?

Participants ages 6-17 must be registered and accompanied by a parent or on-site guardian. Children 5 and under can accompany their parents or guardians for free and do not need to register; however, they will not receive a participant kit.

What if my child wants to participate in an in-person event, but I don’t want to participate?

All minors must be accompanied by an adult, parent, or guardian. Likewise, the parent or guardian must agree to the waiver for their child at registration.

How do I register as part of a squad (team)?

During registration, you will be prompted to select if you would like to participate as an individual, join a squad, or form a squad. Select ‘join a squad’ and a pop up will appear where you can make your squad selection. Alternatively, search for the squad in the top search bar and select "join our squad."

How do I register as a Squad Leader (team captain)?

After you choose the participant type “adult” in the registration process, select “Create a Squad.” Select the team type “Corporate,” “Family and Friends,” “WWP Alumni/Caregiver,” or “WWP Staff,” name your squad, and then set your squad fundraising goal.

How do I register as an individual?

After you choose the participant type “adult” or “child,” select “Role: Individual” and complete the registration process.

Can I register multiple people?

Each adult must register themselves with a unique email address, however; you may register a minor as part of your registration. 

Are Carry Forward registration fees tax-deductible?

Registration fees are not tax-deductible. Personal donations to Wounded Warrior Project^® are 100% tax-deductible as allowed by law.

Is my registration refundable or transferable to someone else?

The registration fee is nonrefundable and non-transferable as stated in the terms and conditions. This also includes your inability to participate due to an injury prior to the event day. The good news is that your registration fee will go directly to helping wounded warriors and their families.

How do I change my squad registration or add myself to a squad?

1. Log into your Carry Forward Account Dashboard.
2. From your Dashboard home page, scroll down to ‘Event Information’ shown on the right side.
3. Once there, select ‘Change Squad Membership.’
4. Scroll down to ‘I would like to leave this squad and:’ to select one of the three choices in the drop-down menu.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of people I need at my event?

If you are planning to participate with a large group of 15 or more people (like a company, gym, school, or community) and can commit to raising at least $1,500, then Host Your Own is for you! Not sure if you should register for a Virtual Carry Forward 5K or a Host Your Own Carry Forward 5K? Head over to this page to learn more.

Do you have any tips or tools to help me recruit participants and volunteers?

Yes! We have many tools available to help guide you in your event planning, recruiting, and fundraising. Visit our resources page to sort through the library of guides and marketing resources. And don’t forget to download the Carry Forward app, too! There, you’ll find text templates for recruitment and fundraising communications.

What type of event supplies will WWP provide for my event?

We are so appreciative that you have taken the step to host your very own Carry Forward! We will provide some great tools so all you have to do is focus on planning, recruiting, and fundraising! 

• Squad Leaders will receive a participant kit 3-4 weeks after registering. Squad member kits will be shipped to the Squad Leader 3-4 weeks prior to your event date to be distributed onsite at your event. Please plan your squad recruitment accordingly.
• We will manage all fundraising incentive shipments to your participants. You can review our fundraising incentives here.
• We want to make recruitment and fundraising as easy as possible for you, so we have created fundraising resources and a social media toolkit to help promote your event that includes social media posts, editable posters, email signatures, and much more!
• Does your event have more than 50 participants? Email us at [email protected].

How do I choose a location and do I need a permit?

Consider asking your employer or local school if you can host the event at their office or campus if the space and location are suitable. Make your event a company outing/team-building opportunity or school community/family-bonding opportunity. Permits will depend on the location and route you chose for your event. We recommend contacting your local parks and recreation department for ideas on where to host your event and to learn about any permitting requirements. Many parks have paths that do not require permits for road closures. If a permit is required for your venue, it may be helpful to secure the support of a local sponsor to help cover costs. 

How do I promote my event?

Check out our customizable event posters and other promotional materials on our resources page. We also encourage you to create a Facebook event and link back to your Carry Forward page. This is a great way to easily tap into your network, encourage registrations and post event reminders.

How do I manage my volunteers? Do they need to register? Can they have a fundraising page?

If you are coordinating a Carry Forward event, we encourage you to recruit volunteers to help with your planning. If your volunteers also wish to fundraise, they will need to register for Carry Forward in order to have a personal fundraising page and to be eligible for fundraising incentives.

Can I have several squads at my event?

Yes! If you are hosting your own Carry Forward, you can recruit several squads to take part in your event. Please note, your primary squad page (which functions as your event page) will not show sub-squads, but you can provide a link to the sub-squad pages in your "Event Info" section. Alternatively, you can encourage everyone to sign up for your event page and take part as one large squad!

Is there a tool you offer to easily communicate with my participants?

There are many message templates available to help with your communication to participants. There are two ways to access these templates:

1. Sign into your Carry Forward dashboard and select ‘messages’ to access a variety of email templates.
2. Download the Carry Forward app and head over to the Messages section. Here, you will be able to access a library of short messages that can be sent out via text, Facebook, Twitter, and more.

How do I keep up with my participant counts and fundraising progress?

Check in on your Carry Forward page regularly to stay up to date with registrations and donations. In addition, every time someone donates or registers for your event, you will receive an email notification.

Is there a WWP representative that I can contact for my planning, fundraising, and recruitment questions?

Yes! The Carry Forward team is always eager to help. Contact us today at [email protected].

If I purchase supplies or spend money on my event, is there any reimbursement from WWP? Is it okay to take the cost out of the donations I collect?

No, WWP will not reimburse any costs spent on hosting your event. Any donations you collect may be used to cover costs if necessary. We encourage recruiting sponsors to cover any event costs. You can also ask if costs can be reduced or donated to support WWP’s mission.

What is a reasonable goal to set for my event? Do you have any information on how much the average person donates or raises to help me set a good goal?

We suggest a goal of $150 per participant, but the choice is yours! The minimum commitment we request from our Host Your Own events is 15 participants and $1,500 raised. Every dollar you raise and step you take helps support our nation’s heroes. 

How much time is recommended to promote my event before the event date?

That will depend on the size of your event, but we generally recommend you start your planning at least three months in advance of your event date. Check out our Event Planning Guide for some helpful tips. Please note that in order for your participants to receive participant kits, they must sign up at least 3 weeks before your event date. 

Does my entire squad run or walk in the same wave at in-person events?

All squads are encouraged to start and finish together both at in-person events and the virtual 5K.

Is there a minimum or maximum number of team members in a squad?

Nope!

Is there a fundraising minimum for my squad?

You’re not required to fundraise, but here are two good reasons to do so (or at least make a personal donation):

1. Your donations ensure that wounded warriors never pay a penny for mental health services, career counseling, or long-term rehabilitative care.
2. You and your squad members can qualify for special fundraising rewards. Although there is no minimum amount required, your donations ensure that every wounded warrior never pays a penny for mental health services, career counseling, or long-term rehabilitative care. Plus, you and your squad can qualify for special fundraising rewards! 

How can I see my squad roster?

Visit your squad page from your fundraising dashboard to see who has joined your squad and how much they have raised. 

How is a squad (team) page different from my personal fundraising page?

The squad page tracks the overall donations raised by the squad as a whole. Donations made to your individual fundraising page count toward your squad fundraising goal and help you qualify for individual fundraising incentives. If you are seeking to receive a fundraising incentive, we encourage you to share your personal fundraising page when requesting donations. This will ensure that you receive your earned incentives! 

Where do my fundraising dollars go?

One-hundred percent of funds raised from the event support wounded warriors. Seventy-one percent of donations go to pay for programs and the balance pays to support those programs. We are humbled to be recognized as a nonprofit organization with great impact, operating with efficiency, transparency, and accountability. We are an accredited nonprofit with the Better Business Bureau (BBB); we’re also top-rated by Charity Navigator, and we hold a GuideStar Platinum rating.

Click here to view our financial documents.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if you have any additional questions, by emailing us at [email protected], or calling 877.TEAM.WWP (877.832.6997).

Who is Wounded Warrior Project?

Wounded Warrior Project is a veterans’ service organization that is transforming the way America’s injured veterans are empowered, employed, and engaged in our communities.

Since 2003, we’ve been tireless advocates for our nation’s finest, improving the lives of over half a million warriors and their families. Click here to learn more about who we are and whom we help.

Is there an individual or squad fundraising minimum?

Although there is no minimum amount required, your donations ensure that every wounded warrior never pays a penny for mental health services, career counseling, or long-term rehabilitative care. Plus, you and your squad can qualify for special fundraising rewards! If you are participating in a Host Your Own event, your squad should have at least 15 team members and be able to commit to raising a minimum of $1,500. If Carry Forward isn’t coming to a city near you this year and you are unsure if Host Your Own or Virtual Carry Forward is the best option for you, click here to learn more.

What if I’ve never fundraised before?

We’re here to help! And thank you for stepping up! Start here for step-by-step instructions for jump-starting your fundraising. Your Carry Forward dashboard will contain information about the app, fundraising coaching emails full of proven fundraising techniques (including scripts, Facebook posts, and printable flyers) and more. Together, we’ll turn you into a seasoned fundraising pro.

Are there any fundraising incentives?

Yes! Carry Forward gear and prizes are just one way of saying thank you for helping wounded warriors. All fundraising incentives are cumulative, so go for it!

Recognition occurs after registration closes on December 15, 2023.

Note: Tier must be reached at least 3 weeks prior to your event date to ensure timely delivery.

Is there any special recognition for participating in Carry Forward for multiple years?

We are so happy to have you back! For our Mission Milers who have participated in Carry Forward for 3, 5, and 7 years, you will receive special gear to recognize your commitment to serving those who served us. Check out the Mission Miler page to see what you will receive.  

Do I have to participate in Carry Forward consecutively or always in the same city to become a Mission Miler?  

No, you will qualify as a Mission Miler as long as you participated in a Carry Forward event, whether it was a City series, Host Your Own, or Virtual event. If you know you used different email addresses to sign up in previous years, please contact us to make sure you are included.

When can I expect to receive my additional special gear once I hit the 3, 5, or 7 year mark as a Mission Miler?

For Carry Forward City event participants, Mission Miler running belts will be available on-site on event day and pint glasses will be mailed to you after the event. Virtual and Host Your Own Mission Milers will receive their items in the mail.

My friend accidentally made a general donation instead of a donation to my personal fundraising page or squad. Now what?

Contact us here, and we can move the funds to your fundraising page.

What is the difference between a donation to my individual fundraising page vs. a donation to my squad?

Donations made to your individual fundraising page help you reach your personal fundraising goal and receive incentive prizes. They will also populate toward the overall squad goal.

Donations made to a squad go to the overall squad, and not to any individuals.

How do I post an offline donation on my fundraising page?

Log in to your fundraising page. On the top menu, select “Resources.” Select “Offline Donation Form” and fill out the form. Mail your offline donations to:

Attention: Carry Forward
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL 32256

Once we receive your donations, you will see the donation(s) on your fundraising page.

How do I turn in cash or check donations?

Donating online is the fastest, most secure way to make donations. For any offline donations, complete our Offline Donation Form. Do not mail cash contributions. Instead, write out a personal check for any cash you receive. Make checks out to Wounded Warrior Project, and be sure to include a completed offline donation form with each check. You can mail checks to:

Attention: Carry Forward
Wounded Warrior Project
4899 Belfort Road, Suite 300
Jacksonville, FL 32256

You can also drop off donations at the check-in tent at onsite events.

Are donations tax deductible?

All donations are 100% tax-deductible, as allowed by law, in the same calendar year the donation was given. Always rely on your tax professional to determine which deductions you (or those who donate toward your participant goal) are eligible for.

Do you accept money orders or cashier’s checks?

Yes, we accept money orders and cashier’s checks for donations.

How can I see who has donated to me?

Log in to your fundraising page. Select “Donations” from the top menu, and you’ll be shown a list of all your donations. This is a good reminder to thank every donor who’s given to your fundraising campaign.

What if my donors need a receipt?

Every online donor receives a receipt via email that is sufficient for tax purposes. Offline donors receive an email confirmation when their donation is received and confirmed by WWP. Contact us if you still need to locate the receipt.

Can I split donations among multiple participants?

We are unable to split donations between multiple participants. Please have your supporters make their donation to each squad member individually to help them earn their fundraising incentives.

What can I do to make sure my offline donations are credited to my account?

Ensure that every donation is accompanied by an offline donation form.

What happens to my donations if I drop out of Carry Forward?

All registration fees and donations are non-transferable. Your donations provide wounded warriors with free, life-changing services in mental health, career counseling, and long-term rehabilitative care – all at no cost to them.

What is Wounded Warrior Project’s tax ID number?

It is 20-2370934.

My donation hasn’t posted yet. What if it’s lost?

Double-check to make sure you added the donation as an offline donation first. Then allow 14 business days for us to receive the check and approve the donation. If the donation is not approved within 14 business days, please contact us.

Does my registration fee count as fundraising?

Yes! Your registration fee counts toward your fundraising goal.

Are you interested in becoming a sponsor of Carry Forward?

Let’s talk. We can customize your sponsorship to meet your needs, while supporting wounded warriors. Please fill out this form.

I’d like to donate goods or services to Carry Forward. Now what?

First off, thank you! We’d love to talk to you. Please contact us.

My company would like to start a squad. How do I set this up?

Please contact us and we’ll help you get set up!

What happens if it’s raining on the event day?

Carry Forward is a rain or shine event. However, in the event of severe weather, we will cancel the event and potentially reschedule it for another day. You will receive notification of the cancellation through email and the Carry Forward Facebook page. So be sure to find and like us!

How do you decide which cities will host Carry Forward?

Our vision is to grow a strong community of champions for wounded warriors all over the country.

Until we come to your community, join this powerful movement as a Carry Forward Virtual 5K participant. Choose your own route and run/walk it on your own timeline, no later than December 15. Create a fundraising page to encourage your friends, family, and colleagues to join you in supporting wounded warriors.

Can I walk at Carry Forward?

Yes, all athletic abilities are welcome!

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable clothing and closed-toed shoes — anything you are comfortable getting sweaty in works. We recommend weight gloves or garden gloves to prevent blisters if you plan to carry a flag or weights. Check the weather, and if it looks stormy, we recommend you dress in layers to keep warm or easily remove top layers to cool off.

Do I need my ID for packet pick up?

Yes! Please bring your photo ID to pick up your packet at the designated packet pick up location the week of the event, or on-site the morning of the 5K. More details will be available closer to event day.

Will there be Carry Forward merchandise at the event?

Yes! Make sure to stop by the merchandise tent to get your exclusive Carry Forward and WWP gear! Large 3’ x 5’ WWP and American flags and poles will be available for purchase.

Can I check in for my family and friends?

Only squad captains can check in and pick up bibs and participant kits for their entire squad. Otherwise, each person is required to pick up his or her own items and show photo ID.

Can I bring my dog?

Service animals only are allowed.

Can my squad leader check in for our squad?

Yes, squad leaders can check in and pick up bibs and participant kits for their entire squad.

Can I give my bib to someone else?

Registrations are non-transferable and nonrefundable and require a photo ID at pickup.

Can I register on the day of the event?

Yes, there will be day-of-event on-site registration.

Can I bring my drone to the event? 

Personal drones will not be permitted on event day. Videographers and photographers will be on site to capture the day. 

Can we bring our own tent or large umbrella?

For the safety of all participants and also due to some permitting and local regulations, we are not able to allow or accommodate personal tents or umbrellas.

Is Carry Forward a timed event?

Due to the range of challenges and athletic abilities, Carry Forward is not a race; however, there will be a time clock at the finish line for all the competitors!

Can I pick up my packet before the event?

Each city will have their own packet pick up dates and times. More information will be emailed to participants closer to event day.

What health and safety precautions will there be on event day?

To ensure the health and safety of our participants, the following guidelines are followed at the Carry Forward 5K:

• Carry Forward follows the health and safety directives, guidelines, and policies of each venue/city.
• Additionally, we will be staggering the start times of runners and walkers based on your 5K pace. To do so, we ask you to spread out along the road leading up to the Start Line Arch. Volunteers and signage will be there to assist you.
  • Runners, head toward the Start Line Arch and look for your pace location.
  • If you are walking, please wait back and allow runners to head out first.
  • If you have a stroller, we ask you to walk toward the back.

We appreciate everyone’s cooperation in making this a fun, safe, and enjoyable experience for all participants.

I want to volunteer, but you’re not in my city. What can I do?

Put the WWP mission in motion by creating your very own Carry Forward Virtual 5K.

We have a large group (of 8, 10, 20, or more) that would like to volunteer! What’s next?

We would love to host a group of 8, 10, 20, or even 30 volunteers! Contact us directly so we can customize the volunteer experience.

Can volunteers fundraise?

Absolutely! We are grateful for your additional support for wounded warriors through fundraising. Contact us to learn more about fundraising.

Can my kids volunteer?

Volunteers are very active and engaged during Carry Forward and the event moves quickly.  We can accommodate ages 13 and up for volunteer roles. Ages 13 to 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Is there a fee to volunteer?

There is no registration fee for volunteers. Your warm smile and passion for helping runners and walkers have a memorable day are all you need to be a raging success.

Do I volunteer all day or in shifts?

We are happy to have you and happy to accommodate your availability! The Carry Forward team will work with you to assign meaningful roles and shifts.

What if I have to cancel?

Let us know through the contact form.

I forgot my username and password.

Select “LOGIN” from the upper right-hand corner of your page. Your username is your email address. Click “Forgot password” if you can’t remember your password. A popup window will ask you for your email address and reset your password quickly. Remember that your username and password are case-sensitive.

How do I change my username and password?

Log in with your username and password. Once you’re logged in, you’ll see “Welcome, [your name]” at the top of the page. Select that menu and then select “Your Profile.” Once that page opens, select the button “Edit Profile,” and you’ll be able to change contact information, name, email address, and password. All changes take effect immediately.

What is a personal fundraising page?

When you register for Carry Forward, a personal fundraising page is automatically created for you. You can personalize your page with a special URL, your photo, and your story. It’s where your supporters will come to donate. Your communications hub is located on this page as well. You can send emails, post to social media, and track your fundraising progress.

How do I change my personal fundraising goal?

Log in to your personal fundraising page with your username and password. Select “My Page” from the top menu. Then select “Settings” from the tabs under your photo. The first field is “Fundraising Goal,” and you can edit it. Remember to “Save” your changes before you close your browser.

How do I change my squad, join a squad, or change to an individual participant?

Log in to your personal fundraising page with your username and password. Select “Dashboard” from the top menu. Scroll down and select “Change Squad Membership” under Event Information on the right-hand side of the page.

What is a Virtual 5K?

You choose the location and date — Memorial Day, Fourth of July, Veterans Day, your birthday, or any time of year that works for you — and decide if you want to organize your 5K as a solo run or neighborhood stroll with friends, or go all-out with an epic, community-wide fundraiser.

Do I need to time myself/my squad?

Due to the range of activity types and athletic abilities, Carry Forward is not timed and you are not required to input your time on the site.

What do I get with my virtual registration?

All registered participants will receive an official Carry Forward participant kit complete with a drawstring bag, bib, flag, medal, and more, to get ready for your 5K. In addition to your Carry Forward participant gear, your registration fee also counts toward your fundraising goal.

When should I expect my Carry Forward participant kit?

All participants will receive their participant kits in the mail 3-4 weeks after registering. Fundraising incentives will be sent separately within one month of hitting your fundraising goal.

When do I hold my virtual event?

All virtual events and fundraising must take place between January 11 and December 15 for you to qualify for your fundraising incentives. Make sure to add your event date on your registration form and update it on your dashboard if anything changes. Please note that participant kits will be received 3-4 weeks after registering.

How do I change my virtual event date?

Log in to your personal fundraising page with your username and password. Click on the drop-down arrow at the top and select “Account.” Scroll down and click on “Edit Info” to update your virtual event date.

Does my entire squad need to run on the same day/together?

No, your squad does not need to run on the same day, or in the same place. You can walk or run together, or complete your 5K on your own.

Where can I do my virtual Carry Forward event? Do I need a permit?

The sky’s the limit! Complete your 5K on your own time and wherever you’d like, whether it’s on a treadmill, running track, park, or city streets — you pick! For larger groups of 15 or more completing Carry Forward together, please see our Host Your Own event option.

Are there health and safety guidelines for my virtual event?

Please follow local Covid-19 guidelines for the health and safety of you and your community. Read more about our suggestions for a Covid-friendly event.

Where can I share my virtual event photos?

Join the Virtual Carry Forward Facebook page! This is where you can post updates leading up to your event, chat with other virtual squads, and share your event-day photos.

Is there a fee for spectators?

There is never a charge for cheering crowds, only admiration. If you are interested in cheering along the course route, please contact the Carry Forward team here. We will work with you to identify the best cheering spots!

Where can spectators park?

In the same area as participants, and parking is FREE! Check back on your event city page for a map for parking a few weeks before your event.

Is the ceremony area ADA accessible?

Yes. We will have arrangements for all ADA participants and spectators.

Can spectators see me on the course?

We highly recommend you plan to meet up at the finish line to enjoy the remainder of the day together.

Can spectators bring their own food and beverages?

No. We suggest fueling up at the food and beverage tent on site.

Can we bring our own tent or umbrella for shade?

For the safety of all participants and also due to some permitting and local regulations, we are not able to allow or accommodate personal tents or umbrellas.

Are you interested in doing a local story with a wounded warrior, or about Carry Forward?

Please contact us, and let us know if you are on deadline in the contact form.

Are you interested in doing a national story on Carry Forward?

To contact someone in public relations, click here.