Ruck for Vets

Join us on Thursday, June 23 to raise awareness for veteran/military suicide and support access to mental health treatment for our heroes.

The 2nd annual 2022 Ruck to Raise Awareness, presented by Rare Breed, is an event benefiting the Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic at the University of Pennsylvania.

This event is organized by a private citizen and advocate for the clinic. Registration is free

Thursday, June 23 2022

• Registration opens 9:30 AM
• Ruck starts 10:30 AM

Event Details

• 22-Mile Ruck/Hike from Valley Forge to the steps of the Philadelphia Art Museum
• Duration: Depending on pace, the full ruck will take about 6-7 hours.
• Weight options: Weight is not required to participate. Ruck participants can carry any weight or no weight.
• Distance options: You can choose to walk, run, or bike the full or partial distance. There will be check-points every 5-7 miles. Please indicate on your registration if you plan to ruck to full or partial distance.
• Check points: There will be manned check points every 5-7 miles with hydration and first aid. If you are interested in volunteering at a check point, email chelsea.lewis@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.
• Ruck/Pack: BYO pack
• Transportation: Participants need to arrange their own transportation for this event, including to the start point and from the end point.

Info for Ruck Participants/Teams

• Register as an individual or team. Registration is free.
• Donations from ruck participants/teams are encouraged but not required. Donations can be made here.
• Ruck participants/teams can collect pledges for each mile they ruck. All information for collecting pledges will be provided after completing registration.
• Fundraising goal: $5,000
• Donation link: http://givingpages.upenn.edu/2022VeteranRuck

Info for Ruck Sponsors

• We welcome donations and pledges to support our ruck participants and teams!
• If you'd like to sponsor a participant or team, please click here to make your pledge and note the person's full name. (So don't look for Ground Up Training, look for Guy Nanni.)

Volunteer Opportunities

Needs are listed below. If you are interested in volunteering, please email chelsea.lewis@pennmedicine.upenn.edu.

• 4 first aid-certified individuals to accompany ruck participants/teams for at least 1 check point (about 5.5 miles)
• 4 first aid-certified individuals at each ruck check point, at least 1 person per check point
• 8 volunteers to set up and work each ruck check point, at least 2 people per check point
• Transportation assistance before and/or after the event
• 2 individuals to assist with registration at Valley Forge

COVID 19 Procedures will be in place and all guidelines observed.

Contact Chris Hofmann for more information or with questions! 856-296-7762

Ruck Tips

Visit this RallyPoint page for tips to improve ruck performance.

Training tip: Build up slowly to the weight and distance. Follow the tips below when you are training, so you don't get blisters and pulled muscles before the event. Don't ruck everyday to get ready, 2-3x a week max.

• Underestimate your ability to carry weight for 22 miles.
• Ruck sack straps should be adjusted so the ruck sits high on your shoulders. Fasten your kidney pad belt around your waist and connect the chest strap in front. When you hop up and down there should be very little if any movement of the ruck.
• Boots should be well broken in and not tied too tight. Use supportive footwear.
• Wear dress socks or pantyhose stockings under your regular socks. Bring extra socks and be prepared to change them.
• Walk heel to toe. If you tip toe your calves will get tired or cramp.
• Hydrate a couple days prior to rucking and ensure you drink water during the ruck. Use Pedialyte if you easily dehydrate. Don't avoid sodium, you need it, just not too much.
• Eat banana the night before and take one with you. The potassium in the banana will help fight cramping and give you energy.
• Don't think about rucking, let your mind go to your happy place.Just put one foot in front of the other.
• If you have a massage gun, you should bring it if you tighten up or take a rest.