Why?

Ruck 'N' Run® was born out of a desire to:

  1. Honor those who serve(d) by refocusing the over-commercialization of U.S. military observances.

  2. Build camaraderie through shared experiences, interests, and accomplishments.

  3. Connect the community through common ground, collective goals, and a deep sense of belonging, tradition, and purpose.

Simply stated, our Three Pillars are:

  1. Honoring Those Who Serve(d)®

  2. Building Camaraderie

  3. Connecting the Community

How?

Created by an Army Drill Sergeant, Ruck 'N' Run® honors Veterans and connects the community through fun, motivating, yet challenging events.

  1. Ruck ‘N' Run® Annual Event: Our annual boot camp inspired walk/run allows the general public to interact with those who serve(d) in the U.S. Armed Forces. This is our original and main event held on the Saturday before Veterans Day, on location in Republic, MO. Our Shadow (virtual) events allow the world to participate.

  2. Honoring Those Who Serve(d)® Fund: Provides assistance to those who still serve in uniform and those who served in uniform that are in need or who are going through a difficult situation.

  3. In Their Honor Fund: Provides assistance to families of U.S. Service Members that pass away. This can help offset the cost of food, lodging, transportation, and other unforeseen, incurred expenses.

  4. Monthly Missions and Gatherings: Our Ruck 'N' Run® Series keeps our community engaged and mindful of Honoring, Building, and Connecting (HBC). Ruck ‘N' Run® HBC is our local ruck/run club that meets each month to continue building upon our Three Pillars. Check out RuckNRun.org/events for upcoming missions!

  5. Our fire pit logo signifies bringing the community together to honor those who serve(d). We also have an online fire pit in the form of a video conference for those who serve(d) in the U.S. Armed Forces for open but secure discussion for the purpose of mutual edification and encouragement. ByTheFirePit.com

So What?

As of August 30, 2022, we’ve donated $15,000 and 9,390 pounds of food to nonprofit Veteran organizations to help Veterans in need (RuckNRun.org/charities). We've also set aside $3,500 for families of the fallen (RuckNRun.org/intheirhonor) and $4,735 for Veterans in need during a difficult time (RuckNRun.org/honoringthosewhoserved). We’ve also raised $5,655 for Military Kids Scholarship, to be presented during our annual event.

Here’s what others are saying…

★★★★★ “Best challenge run of the year!” - Paula T.

★★★★★ “Awesome event, awesome cause. Challenging course and we loved it. Cannot wait until next year! Great job staff.” - Cassia S.

★★★★★ “Well done race, for a great cause. Running and boot camp style exercise along the way...what more could you ask for? Then you factor in how much of the proceeds go to the actual charity and you have a winning event.” - Julia W.

★★★★★ “Growing up in a running family, I've participated in several organized races in my years but the Ruck N Run checked all the boxes for me [...] Everything from the information dissemination, sponsors, timing, and benefactors fit well and ran smoothly. The race itself is one long circuit course that will attack your body from every angle. Having all of the services out there represented and the camaraderie of the Veterans and their supporters just makes the whole event warm and welcoming. Good stuff.” - Christopher K.