Wreaths Across America (WAA) recently announced its 2021 Race Program, which will include a 737-mile virtual Escort to Arlington Challenge, two virtual Running for Wreaths options in May and September, and one in-person Stem to Stone Remembrance Run in July, with a virtual option. Complete details can be found at http://www.competitorme.com/wreaths-across-america.

This year's race program is the result of an expanded partnership with event management and timing company CompetitorME after the inaugural year in 2020 where eight virtual road races were held across the country. The variety of options for supporters provides opportunities to build community awareness and understanding of WAA's yearlong mission to "Remember, Honor, Teach."

The virtual course for Escort to Arlington Challenge starts in Columbia Falls, Maine, where WAA is headquartered. The route travels down the East Coast to Arlington, Va., just as the annual escort to Arlington does each December.

The Running for Wreaths 5K and 10K virtual races will take place in May and September. Participants will have the flexibility to run, walk, ruck, or bike on the course of their choosing while raising funds to sponsor veterans' wreaths for participating locations or sponsorship groups they support.

The Stem to Stone Remembrance Run will be held in person in Maine, with a virtual option available. This will be the third year the race is hosted on the tip lands in Maine where balsam is grown and harvested each year to make the veterans' wreaths placed on the headstones of the nation's heroes.

Each individual race registration sponsors a fresh balsam wreath that will be placed on the headstone of an American veteran on Saturday, Dec. 18, as part of National Wreaths Across America Day. Group or individual fundraising tools and capabilities are available for all races, and there is a team option for the Escort to Arlington Challenge.

During checkout, registrants can designate the sponsorship group or participating Wreaths Across America location to which they want their sponsored wreath allocated. Registrants will receive personalized racing bibs, commemorative finisher medallions, and event T-shirts. Additionally, a free RaceJoy app is available for download by registrants so they can listen while they participate to learn more about WAA's mission, hear stories of those who have served, and hear the names of those who have sacrificed for freedom.

For more information or to sponsor a wreath, readers may visit http://www.wreathsacrossamerica.org.