Boots Hit the Banks

Every November, something extraordinary happens in Cincinnati. No, it’s not the first snowfall or a surprise Bengals playoff run. It’s the moment thousands of people gather at The Banks in a sea of red, white and blue to run, walk, roll or ride in support of something much bigger than themselves. This is the DAV 5K, and if you haven’t heard of it yet, allow me to explain why it should be circled on your calendar, highlighted on your homepage and hyped in your group chat.

The DAV 5K, presented by USAA, isn’t your average charity race. Sure, you’ll see your standard-issue joggers, power walkers and the occasional dad sprinting in jeans. But you’ll also see hand cycles gliding with grit, veterans side-by-side with civilians, families decked out in matching gear and motorcycle engines revving in tribute. It’s a true mosaic of appreciation and action, centered around a simple but powerful idea: honoring the sacrifices of our nation’s disabled veterans and supporting them in their return to civilian life.

This year’s event takes place Saturday, November 8 at The Banks with a virtual version running from November 8 to 11 for those who want to log miles on their own turf. Either way, participation fuels the mission of DAV (Disabled American Veterans), a nonprofit that has been doing the work for over a century. No fanfare, just impact.

Founded in 1920 by World War I veterans, DAV was built from the ground up to serve those whose service left them with lasting injuries. At a time when many came home to little support, DAV stepped in to make sure they weren’t forgotten. That same spirit drives the organization today, more than 100 years later. Whether it’s helping a Gulf War veteran navigate complex VA benefits, connecting an Afghanistan vet to a civilian job or driving a Vietnam-era soldier to a doctor’s appointment, DAV gets it done.

And they do it without charging a dime.

Here in Cincinnati, we’ve got a front-row seat to the action. DAV’s national headquarters is just across the river in Cold Spring, Kentucky, but the city itself is a proud host of the organization’s most visible and unifying event, the DAV 5K. The Banks transforms into a red-white-and-sweaty display of patriotism with runners, roll-starters and spectators all doing their part to move the mission forward.

But the real power of DAV isn’t in the pomp, it’s in the practical. The numbers are staggering: over 1 million veterans helped annually, hundreds of thousands of benefit claims filed, 160,000 free rides to VA medical appointments given each year by a dedicated army of volunteer drivers. And in a post-COVID world, their virtual outreach and career services have helped thousands of veterans find purpose and employment during uncertain times.

In Greater Cincinnati, the DAV’s impact is deeply rooted. Local chapters are hard at work connecting veterans with resources, holding in-person benefit counseling sessions, and coordinating transportation to the region’s VA facilities. They partner with employers to create veteran hiring pipelines and team up with schools to educate younger generations about service, sacrifice and citizenship.

But none of that happens without support. That’s where the 5K comes in.

Every registration fee, every team formed and every medal earned funds DAV’s work. And the virtual option ensures that whether you’re in Over-the-Rhine, Overland Park or just over walking, you can still show up for those who’ve shown up for us.

So this fall, skip the excuses. Don’t let another Veterans Day pass with a passive thumbs up or half-hearted social media post. Lace up your sneakers, roll out your wheels or polish off your ride and make a real difference. The DAV 5K isn’t just a race. It’s a rallying cry. And in a time when so many issues divide us, it’s a powerful reminder of the people who unite us and those who served.

Register now at DAV5K.org. Then get out there and earn that finisher medal. Trust me, it’ll mean more than you think.

Because veterans don’t need pity. They need backup. And the good news is, we’ve all got legs or wheels or lungs or at least a little heart to give.

Let’s move.