Ruck for Vets returns to Colusa on Nov. 8
The second annual Ruck for Vets will be held on Nov. 8 in Colusa, honoring veterans and raising funds for VFW Post 2441. Participants can walk any distance of the 22-mile route, which represents the 22 veterans who die by suicide daily.
COLUSA, Calif. — Community members will lace up their boots and hit the pavement for the second annual Ruck for Vets on Saturday, Nov. 8, beginning at Colusa Veterans Memorial Park.
Organized by Lauren Manor Craft, owner of The Garage Fitness & Nutrition, the 22-mile ruck walk honors local veterans and raises funds for Colusa VFW Post 2441. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m., followed by an opening ceremony at 8 a.m. featuring a prayer from a local pastor, the Pledge of Allegiance, and the national anthem. Veterans from the VFW will signal the start with a starter’s pistol.
Craft, who comes from a military family, said the event combines her passion for fitness with her desire to support local veterans.
“I would do these rucks myself and really wanted to get involved with the community,” Craft said. “I didn’t see anything happening to raise money for our local vets, so I decided to start one.”
Participants will follow the same route as last year, starting at the park and heading down 10th Street before looping through Fremont and Bridge streets, then continuing over the Sacramento River bridge and along Butte Slough Road to Meridian. The route totals 22 miles, representing the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide each day.
The ruck is a military-inspired weighted carry. Men are encouraged to wear 20-pound vests, and women 10-pound vests; however, weights are optional, and participants may walk any distance.
“There’s a lot of meaning behind it,” Craft said. “We mimic the men and women who carry heavy packs on missions or in battle. It’s not required, but it’s encouraged.”
Water and rest stations will be placed every two to three miles, and volunteers will be on hand to assist participants along the route. Lunch may be available at the park following the walk.
Craft said community support has been strong heading into the second year. More participants have already registered than last year, and several sponsors have stepped up to cover entry fees for high school students planning to join the military.
“I just want to encourage everybody to come out,” Craft said. “You don’t have to walk the whole way. You can walk part of it or just come hang out and support the event.”
Spectators and community members are encouraged to cheer on participants along the route or gather at Veterans Memorial Park to show support.
For registration and event details, visit www.laurensgarage.com/ruck25
