WARRIOR RUCK - One Step at a Time. One Life at a Time.

7th Annual Warrior Ruck
June 5, 2027 | Frankfort, Illinois

Some battles don't end when the uniform comes off.  Every day, veterans and first responders face invisible struggles. Too many fight those battles in silence, believing they have nowhere to turn.  Warrior Ruck exists to remind them they are not alone.

This is more than a 20-mile ruck. It's a community coming together to honor those who serve, raise awareness, and provide a path toward healing, connection, and recovery.

Every step taken and every dollar raised helps support experiences that bring struggling warriors together with others who understand their battles and have found a way forward.

YOUR DISTANCE. YOUR PACE. OUR MISSION.
Walk 1 mile or ruck all 20. Carry a pack or simply show up. Everyone is welcome, and every step matters.

View Route

Recharge Service Checkpoints along the route will provide bottled water, snacks, and a few spirited options to keep participants going.

This is a family-friendly event, and kids under 18 participate FREE in both the Ruck and After Party!

PLEASE NOTE: T-shirts are not included in registration. Event T-shirts and sweatshirts will be available for purchase separately.

EVENT WEEKEND DETAILS
Friday, June 4 – Early Packet Pickup & Check-In

Time: 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: Frankfort VFW Post 1493
Participants checking in Friday will receive a FREE drink token!
We strongly encourage participants to check in Friday evening to avoid the Saturday morning rush.

Saturday, June 5 – Ruck Day

6:00 AM – 7:30 AM: Packet Pickup & Check-In
7:45 AM: Opening Ceremonies
8:00 AM: Official Warrior Ruck Step-Off
Opening ceremonies will recognize the mission of Warrior Ruck, honor those we have lost, and bring participants together before stepping off.

AFTER PARTY
The event doesn't end when you finish your ruck! Join us back at Frankfort VFW Post 1493 for an afternoon and evening of food, drinks, entertainment, and community.

Time: 12:00 PM – Midnight

Live Entertainment:

DJ Keith: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Grace and John: 3:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Billy Gray Music: 8:00 PM – 11:00 PM
Food: Kup A Joe Cafe and Tony's Pizza

Kids Activities: Bounce Houses

OUR MISSION
Warrior Ruck is more than a 20-mile event. It is an opportunity to bring veterans, first responders, families, and community members together around a shared mission: preventing suicide and supporting one another.

All funds raised directly support mental health and suicide prevention initiatives through two organizations:

Reel Warriors Foundation - Video Link

A veteran-led nonprofit providing therapeutic fishing experiences for veterans and first responders dealing with PTSD, traumatic brain injuries, and other challenges. These experiences help build relationships, establish support networks, and provide an opportunity to reconnect with others who understand their experiences.

Frankfort VFW Post 1493

A local organization dedicated to supporting veterans, first responders, and their families through community outreach, charitable programs, suicide prevention efforts, and crisis support. The VFW provides a welcoming environment where those who have served can connect and find support.

Rain or shine, we'll RUCK!!! Because no warrior should ever have to fight alone.

WALK FOR THOSE WHO CAN'T. STAND WITH THOSE WHO STILL FIGHT.