
From the Organizer
Join us for the Inaugural RUCKUS H.E.R.O. RUCK 4 FREEDOM!
Ruckus H.E.R.O. 4 Freedom is an honorary Ruck where the community comes together with our Active-Duty Military, Veterans and First Responders to do something uncomfortable to show our Armed Forces the gratitude we have for our Freedom.
Based on a Military tradition, participants will have the option to wear a weighted backpack and participate in a 5K Ruck Walk. For those that don't want to wear the ruck you can sign up to run or walk the 5K.
RUCKUS H.E.R.O. 4 FREEDOM will give all of us the opportunity to do something hard to give back to those who have given so much.
As a community we are strong, our Freedom is safe, and this will give us the opportunity to show our service members, family and friends that we are willing to give our time and be a little uncomfortable to say, thank you.
I invite you to join us, be a sponsor, volunteer with a friend to push a veteran, and be part of the day that will show our gratitude for the freedom we all love.
The official charity of RUCKUS H.E.R.O. 4 FREEDOM is Fort Des Moines African American Military Officer Museum. Funds will be used to benefit the mental health of soldiers, and their families through the gift of therapy. This event will also contribute to Outdoor Experience For All a Foundation that provides outdoor adventures for our Veterans.
What You Get!
Custom Event Medal for all participants.
Custom Event Dri-Fit Tech T-Shirt for all participants.
Awards for Top Three in all events. Our events are the following:
H.E.R.O. 5K RUCK WALK
FREEDOM 5K RUN/WALK
Pre- and Post-Race "Runner's Hydration" ( water, Gatorade, etc)
Event managed by Blu 365.
Race Day Information
Race Day Registration will be available beginning at 8:00am.
We accept cash, and credit cards on race day (checks are no longer accepted)
Race day pricing will be:
5K - $35
Due to the nature of the course, strollers and wheelchairs are not recommended.
No pets allowed on course.
No motorized vehicles, bicycles, wagons, etc. are allowed on the ruck course.
Due to the common start/finish line, there is no bag check for this event.
This event will take place rain or shine. There are no refunds or transfers due to weather.
For those participating in the Ruck, you will need to provide your own weighted backpack. Weight should come from can goods that after the race could be donated to food pantry [VFW]
Ruck weight:
Female: 11lbs
Male: 22lbs
Scales will be available at the start.
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
83°
Typical Low
62°
Chance of Rain
35%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Marshalltown, 2 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
27,491
as of 2023
Elevation
900 ft
Nearest Airport
ALO
Waterloo Regional Airport · 44 mi
Major Hub
DSM
Des Moines International Airport · 52 mi
Time Zone
Central Time
From Endurance Grid
A mid-size host city. Enough lodging and amenities to keep race weekend easy, without big-city sprawl.
Race Location
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at RuckUs 4 FREEDOM, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Coming Up
"Walk A Mile In Her Shoes" Marshalltown
Less than a mile away
Run 4 Life
36 miles away
2026 Quarry Springs Paddle Skedaddle Biathlon
31 miles away
River’s Edge Trail Half Marathon
24 miles away
From Endurance Grid
Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.
With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.
Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.
From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
RuckUs 4 FREEDOM
Jun 27, 2026