IM ABLE Foundation's Ruck & Roll

Answer the call at Ruck & Roll on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 8:00 AM to 2:00 PM at Blue Marsh National Recreation Area, State Hill Boat Launch Area, 599 Brownsville Road, Wernersville, PA.

Delivered through IM ABLE Foundation’s Operation Lead From the Front program, this fall fitness challenge brings Veterans, adaptive athletes, families, teams, volunteers, and community supporters together around service, resilience, movement, and shared purpose. Ruck with a weighted pack, move unweighted, roll using adaptive equipment, stroll with your crew, serve as a Battle Buddy, or support the mission from base camp. There is no single definition of an athlete here—choose the challenge that fits you, take your place on the course, and help make sure no one moves forward alone. 

New This Year 

• Challenge stations: Mission-inspired stations are built into the course to test endurance, coordination, problem-solving, teamwork, and grit without taking the focus away from forward movement. Each station offers scalable ways to contribute so Veterans, adaptive athletes, and community participants can take on a meaningful challenge together. 
• Chili cookoff: Bring the heat, sample the lineup, and help make the chili tent a crowd-favorite celebration of flavor and community. Restaurants and home chefs are invited to share their boldest chili, and each registered participant receives a full bowl plus tasting tickets. 

Registration 

• Adaptive athletes register free.
• Veterans receive 50% off registration with code SALUTE50. 
  Register by October 15 to guarantee your race swag.

What’s a Ruck? 
A ruck is walking or hiking with a weighted pack, a training method used to build strength, endurance, and resilience. Participants may choose a weighted pack, weighted vest, or no added weight. 

What’s a Roll? 
The Roll welcomes adaptive athletes using handcycles, recumbents, and other seated mobility equipment into a supportive, high-energy environment built around access, preparation, trust, and shared achievement. Participants can explore equipment in the Adaptive Equipment Demo Area, join the supportive 5-mile group ride to the Blue Marsh Mountain Bike Skills Park via the Lake Border Trail or the challenging Tully Flow Trail, OR take part in the adaptive GRIT Chair ruck. 

Ruck Distances

• Short: approximately 3-4 miles
• Mid: approximately 8-9 miles
• Long: approximately 13-14 miles  

This year’s ruck routes take place on the State Hill Loop Multi Use Trail. Choose the mission that matches your readiness: Prepare for the trail terrain, November outdoor conditions, and a team-focused day of effort. 

Ruck Divisions:

• Ranger: Competitive heavy ruck. Men carry 45 pounds and women carry 35 pounds.
• Scout: Competitive ruck. Men carry 30 pounds and women carry 20 pounds.
• Cadet: Competitive age division for participants 15 and younger and 70 and older. Men carry 20 pounds and women carry 10 pounds.
• Infantry: Open / just for fun. Choose your own pack weight or move with no added weight. Participants may complete challenge stations at a repetition count that matches their ability and readiness.
• Adaptive Ruck: Athletes compete as a group utilizing our 5 GRIT chairs and volunteer support to navigate the course as a team. Awards will celebrate teamwork, perseverance, encouragement, and the moments that best reflect IM ABLE’s mission to move what’s possible together.

Vetsgiving

Ruck for a Reason: Turn every pound you carry into purpose. Participants may pack their ruck with canned goods or other shelf-stable packaged food in place of traditional weights. Event scales will confirm pack weight before step-off, and donations will support local organizations serving Veterans and families. 

Fall-Out Fest Activities (All Day)

• Chili Competition
• Campfire & s’mores
• Fall crafts & activities
• Scavenger Hunt
• Veteran Vendor Area

Awards 
Top Men & Women in Each Division (no age group awards) 

Event-day readiness

Check-in for each race closes 15 minutes before its scheduled start. Ruck & Roll is not chip-timed, so the clock begins when the race starts, not when an individual participant crosses the start line. Bring a refillable water bottle and the food or energy bars you need for the course. Water will be available at the start/finish area for participants completing multiple loops. 

Social Teams 
The more, the merrier. Gather family, friends, coworkers, your unit, club, or community group to form a social team and move with purpose together. Social teams of five or more receive $5 off registration per member, and team members can register for any event.

🥄 Ruck & Roll Chili Cook-Off 🌶️

Saturday, Nov. 14 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Blue Marsh National Recreation Area 

 
🔥 Think You’ve Got the Best Chili in the Ranks?

Step up to the pot and prove it! The Ruck & Roll Chili Cook-Off is open to all — from kitchen commandos to backyard chefs. This fun, people’s choice competition will bring the heat as attendees sample, savor, and vote for their favorite chili.

 
💰 Entry Fees & Prizes

• Ruck & Roll Participants: Full-size bowl of restaurant chili and sampling tickets!
• Individual spectators, family and friends not participating in race day can make a $5 donation to sample and vote for their favorite chili!
• 🏆 Winner receives $100 cash and serious bragging rights!
   

⏰ Schedule

• Setup & Service by: 10:00 AM
• Tasting & Voting: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
• Awards: 12:00 PM

 🍲 Competitor Guidelines

• Space is limited! Only 8 entries will be accepted.
• Quantities TBD
• There is no electricity on site. Propane or camp stoves are recommended.
• IM ABLE will provide disposables — napkins, 2 oz sample cups, serving spoons, and spoons.
• We have a limited number of camp stoves available to loan — please contact Becky Rennix at becky@imablefoundation.org to reserve one. 

🧑‍🍳 Tasting & Judging

• Attendees will serve as the judges — this is a People’s Choice event.
• Each attendee will receive tasting cups and a voting ballot to sample and select their favorite chili.
• The chili with the most votes wins the cash prize and the title of Ruck & Roll Chili Champion!

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 A Community Celebration

Even if you’re not competing, come enjoy:

• Campfires & S’mores 🔥
• Fall crafts & family fun 🍂
• Nature hikes & live camaraderie 🎶
• The best chili this side of the barracks!
   

Questions or want to sign up?
 
📧 Contact Becky Rennix at becky@imablefoundation.org

Ruck for a Reason

This isn’t just a workout — it’s a mission. As part of Ruck & Roll, we’re activating Operation Supply Drop again in 2026!

Charities are still being vetted, so we'll post more info soon!