Hainesport Ruck for Vets

Date: Saturday, June 6, 2026 | Check-In:  8am | Step-off:  9:30am

Join us for a ruck march event to raise awareness of veteran suicide and veterans issues!  We will complete a 3 mile (5 km) route with volunteer leaders setting a brisk but comfortable pace. This event is free, but you must register.  

The event is open to EVERYONE!  Military and non-military, adult, children...anyone that wants to join us in a march to build community and to raise awareness of veterans issues.

Wearing a weighted rucksack is encouraged but optional. We want everyone to be able to participate!

We will collect donations for the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia. You may fill your rucksacks with donation items (see donation information below) and drop them in boxes at the finish line, or you can drop your donations off before starting the march.

This event is pet-friendly. Your pet must be well-behaved and on a leash or otherwise restrained.

Hainesport Ruck for Vets is sponsored by the Hainesport Mayor's Wellness Campaign Veterans Task Force.

What is a Ruck March?

A ruck march fundraiser is a charity event where participants walk a set distance while carrying a weighted backpack (rucksack), often to raise money for veterans, military families, or suicide prevention. Inspired by military training, it builds camaraderie while simulating the physical load carried by service members, often symbolizing the mental weight of PTSD or honoring fallen heroes.

Why we march?

Many veterans carry invisible wounds that extend well beyond the battlefield. Personal and societal challenges greatly increase the risk of suicide. According to the Veterans Administration: "Veterans die by suicide at a higher rate than non-Veterans. In 2020, the age- and sex-adjusted suicide rate among Veterans was 57.3% higher than the age- and sex-adjusted rate among non-Veteran U.S. adults. While the number and rate of suicide deaths increased among all Americans between 2001 and 2018, Veteran suicide deaths consistently outpace those of non-Veteran U.S. adults." We march to raise awareness of the problem, to help combat the stigma associated with asking for help, and to encourage everyone to support others who may be struggling. 

Will donations be collected?

Yes, we will collect donation items in boxes set up at the finish line and deliver them to the Veterans Multi-Service Center in Philadelphia. Fill your rucksacks with donation items and deposit them in the donation boxes after crossing the finish line. Alternately, you can deposit them in the donation boxes prior to the march. (See donation info below.) Also, we provide below some links to various organizations that you can donate to online to help veterans.

Do I have to carry a weighted rucksack to join the march?

NO! Fill your rucksack with donations, carry an empty rucksack OR just come out to enjoy a brisk walk with us.

How much weight should I carry?

Again, there is no required weight to carry. Please load your rucksack only with what you are able to carry on a 3.1 mile (5 km) march.

Will I get a t-Shirt?

All finishers will receive a Hainesport Ruck for Vets finisher t-shirt!

We will collect donation items for the Veterans Multi-Service Center (VMC) in Philadelphia. The VMC provides service, programs, opportunity and advancement to veterans of the U.S. military and their families.

Suggested Physical Donation Items to Bring to the Event

Suggested donation items are listed on the VMC Thrift Store web page: https://www.vmcenter.org/vmc-thrift-store-donation-policy/.

Please do not bring oversized items (e.g. furniture) as we will be unable to transport large items to VMC. VMS accepts new or gently used items only. All items must be season appropriate (e.g. clothing). Spring/Summer donations are taken from January thru June.

Online Donations via Amazon

There is also an Amazon Wish List that you can order from to send donation items directly to VMC:
https://www.amazon.com/hz/wishlist/ls/3SGS12C7OTXTP/ref=hz_ls_biz_ex

Route Description

The ruck march will begin at the Hainesport Township Municipal Center gazebo. It will go through nearby Hainesport neighborhoods and end back at the gazebo. See the map below for the route.

We are providing this list for your consideration in making donations online to organizations that make a difference for veterans. The links are provided for your information only. Hainesport Ruck for Vets is not associated with these organizations.

• Stop Soldier Suicide - The only national nonprofit focused solely on solving the issue of suicide among veterans and service members.
• Wounded Warrior Project - Provides services for mental health and physical wellness, VA benefits assistance and peer support
• The Headstrong Project - Non-profit mental health organization providing confidential, barrier-free, and stigma-free PTSD treatment.
• Gary Sinese Foundation - Supports veterans, first responders, wounded heroes and their families.
• Paws of Honor - Provides high-quality veterinary care and essential products at no cost to retired military and law enforcement K-9s.
• Travis Manion Foundation - Empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.