2026

ETS WALK TO STAY IN THE FIGHT

September 26th

9:00 AM

Viking Lakes - Eagan, MN

One step, one story, one life at a time.

Join us at Viking Lakes for the ETS Walk to Stay in the Fight, an event dedicated to raising awareness about Veteran suicide and standing alongside those who’ve served.

Why We Walk
The 2.3-mile route around the lakes serves as a symbolic reminder of the 23 Veterans lost to suicide every single day.

But this walk is about more than a number.

- It’s about hope.

- It’s about connection.

- It’s about showing Veterans they do not have to fight alone.

Whether you're a Veteran, family member, friend or supporter, every step helps carry the message forward: There is hope. There is community. There is still a mission.

Your Steps Support Veterans & Their Families

Proceeds from the walk directly impact Every Third Saturday's work to foster hope and support post-traumatic growth for veterans through connection, purpose, and support.

Your participation helps provide Veterans with clothing, emergency assistance, community, resources and opportunities to move forward after military service.

EARLY BIRD REGISTRATION - Click here

August 5 - August 23*: $30

GENERAL REGISTRATION

Beginning August 24*: $40

Children 12 & under: FREE

- Children must still be registered online so we can accurately prepare for event day.

*All paid registrants will receive an official Walk T-Shirt at event check-in if registered by September 21, 2026. Must register by September 7 to guarantee your requested size.

NOTE: Day of registration is available. Does not guarantee a shirt.

REGISTER HERE

Event Day Schedule

8:00 AM | Check-In Opens

Pick up your event materials, enjoy local music, visit the booths and enjoy the event grounds before the opening ceremony.

9:00 AM | Opening Ceremony

Join us as we come together to honor Veterans, remember those we have lost and reaffirm our commitment to helping Veterans stay in the fight.

9:30 AM | Walk Route Opens

The 2.3-mile route consists of three loops around the ponds at Viking Lakes.

10:00 AM - 12:00 PM | Post-Walk Celebration

Stay after the walk for:

- Live music from Rosewater

- Food Truck

- Veteran-owned business booths

- Resource tables

Note: Veteran-Owned Businesses and Resource Tables Will Be Open During the Duration of the Event

WAYS TO GET INVOLVED

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👟 REGISTER TO WALK (Click Here)

Register individually or create a team and walk in honor of a veteran, in memory of someone you have lost or in support of every veteran still in the fight.

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💬 FUNDRAISE (toolkit coming soon)

Create a personal fundraising page and invite your friends, family and community to support your walk. Every dollar raised helps ETS provide veterans with support, connection and opportunities for growth.

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🎗️ BECOME A SPONSOR

Connect your business or organization with a mission that matters. Sponsorship opportunities are available at several levels and offer meaningful ways to support veterans while participating in the event.

View Sponsorship Packet

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⭐ HONOR A VETERAN

Recognize a veteran with a tribute sign displayed along the walk route. Include their name, branch of service and a brief message of remembrance.

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🙌 VOLUNTEER (coming soon)

Help bring the walk to life. Volunteers assist with registration, setup, course support, booths, activities and cleanup.

Event FAQs

EVENT

Yes! Service dogs are welcome in the event area and along the walk route. Please keep them leashed at all times for the safety of your pet and other event participants.
Yes! We encourage participants of all ages to join us on event day. However, please be mindful of creating space for other walkers to pass if necessary.

REGISTRATION

No. Fundraising is encouraged but is not required. Your registration fee helps offset event expenses, while additional fundraising directly supports ETS programs and services for veterans.
No. Registration fees are not tax-deductible because they provide admission to the event and include an event T-shirt. Donations and fundraising contributions made beyond registration may be tax-deductible.
All paid participants receive access to the event and an official Walk T-shirt.

Register by September 7 to guarantee your shirt and requested size.
Absolutely. We encourage groups to participate together. Everyone attending should register in advance so we can properly plan for event day.
Yes. Children 12 and under participate for free, but they must be registered online so we can accurately plan for attendance. They will not receive an official Walk shirt unless they are a paid registrant.
Yes, please email krista@everythirdsaturday.org with details.
Yes. Day-of registration will be available for $40, but an event shirt cannot be guaranteed.

TEAMS

No. You may participate as an individual or join or create a team during registration.
A team consists of two or more registered participants walking and fundraising together.
Participating with a team connects you to others with a shared reason for participating. The best teams provide motivation, encouragement, support and team spirit.
Select Start a Team during registration, enter your team name and fundraising goal, and follow the instructions provided by email.
Select Join a Fundraising Team during registration and search for the team’s name. You will receive an email with a fundraising page link and further details.
Yes. Their registration gives them access to the multiple fundraising channels and connects them to the community of participants.
Ask members to register for the walk by visiting https://www.everythirdsaturday.org/2026walk - Once on the registration page they can select your team name from the "Join Fundraising Team" drop down. Be sure to let them know your team name!
We are unable to split or transfer donations between individual and team accounts. All fundraising will show under individual and roll up to the team total.

Fundraising as a Team or Individual Participant

Ready to start fundraising for the event? Whether you're leading a team or participating on your own, this guide will walk you through registration, creating your fundraising page, joining or forming a team, and sharing your campaign. Click the link below for step-by-step instructions and tips to get started:

View Fundraising Setup Guide

Creating Your Fundraising Page

Already signed up and ready to build your fundraising page? This guide walks you through logging into the fundraising portal, creating your personal page, and customizing it with your story, photos, and more. Whether you're fundraising solo or leading a team, follow the link below for simple step-by-step instructions:

View Fundraising Portal Guide

Fundraise for the Cause

By starting a fundraising page, you’re helping fuel hope, connection, and post-traumatic growth for veterans.

Raise $100: Receive a custom ETS Core Values T-shirt
Raise $1,000: Earn an official Stay In The Fight challenge coin

How to Make an Impact

Start a fundraising page when you register to walk. You'll receive an email to get started!
Share your page with friends, family, and on social media.
Tell your “why”—share why this cause matters to you.
Use the event flyer to help spread the word.

REGISTER HERE

BECOME A SPONSOR

Starts

8:00 AM | Check-In Opens

9:00 AM | Kick-Off

9:30 AM | Walk Starts

September 26, 2026

Location

Viking Lakes

(Free Parking Available On-Site)

VENUE MAP

2685 Vikings Cir
Eagan, MN 55121

Contact Info

Krista Kistler

krista@everythirdsaturday.org

How to Get Involved

Walk with Us

Register as an individual or team and walk in honor of those who served.

SIGN UP

Fundraise

Set up a fundraising page and help fuel ETS programs that support veterans and their families.

Please register first to begin.

REGISTER

Become a Sponsor

Align your business or organization with a mission that matters. Sponsorship opportunities available at multiple levels. Download PDF

LEARN MORE

Volunteer

Be part of the team that brings this day to life—every role makes a difference.

LEARN MORE

2025 Photo Gallery

LEADER BOARD

Name	Amount $
Linda Williams	$1599
Karen Miller	$1001
Dona Taylor	$400
Patricia Smith	$129
Thomas Moore	$100
Joseph Anderson	$40
William Davis	$300
Norman Smith	$45.00
jason Lox	$100
Lora Pete	$130