Colusa

Ruck raises $3,700 for VFW Hall

Lloyd Green

Lloyd Green

— 2 min read
Ruck raises $3,700 for VFW Hall
Walkers head down 10th Street at the start of the Ruck for Vets event in Colusa. Nearly 60 people took part in this year’s 22-mile challenge to support local veterans.

COLUSA, Calif. — The second annual Ruck for Vets raised a little over $3,700 for Colusa VFW Post 2441, organizer Lauren Manor said.

The total includes added donations, T-shirt sales, and late signups.

This year’s event drew 58 participants, with seven completing the ruck in El Dorado for those who could not travel to Colusa.

“The support for Colusa’s VFW Hall spread further than just Colusa County,” Manor said.

Participants gather at Veterans Memorial Park before the start of the Ruck for Vets. The event drew community members of all ages, including several youth participants and families.

Ruckers left Veterans Memorial Park, moved down 10th Street, turned onto Fremont and Bridge, crossed the Sacramento River, and followed Butte Slough Road to Meridian before returning to Colusa. Organizers encouraged weighted vests, 20 pounds for men and 10 pounds for women, though walkers could choose any distance without weights.

Manor Craft added trophies with a military twist.

“My military brothers came up with funny sayings for the awards, and everyone got a kick out of them,” she said.

William Griffith took first in 5 hours, 2 minutes. Betsy Weber placed second in 5 hours, 14 minutes. Nick Weber finished third in 5 hours, 22 minutes. A last-place trophy went to Joe Bowers and Blake Davis, who crossed together.

Youth participation grew with sponsor help.

Participants step off from Veterans Memorial Park in Colusa for the second annual Ruck for Vets on Saturday, Nov. 8. The 22-mile walk raised more than $3,700 for Colusa VFW Post 2441.

“I called the local high schools and asked for kids who were joining the military, and two from Williams wanted to participate,” she said. “Sponsors stepped up right away to cover their entry fees.”

Four additional high schoolers, a mix from Williams and Roseville, also took part as cadets or future enlistees.

“Overall it was an amazing success, especially for only my second year hosting the event,” Manor said. “My goal is to make it bigger every year. I have many ideas to bring the community together.”

Manor, owner of The Garage Fitness & Nutrition, launched the 22-mile ruck in 2024 to blend fitness with support for veterans.

Organizer Lauren Manor speaks during the opening ceremony of the Ruck for Vets on Nov. 8 at Veterans Memorial Park. The event featured a prayer, the national anthem, and a salute by local veterans before walkers began the route.

“I would do these rucks myself and really wanted to get involved with the community,” she said. “I didn’t see anything happening to raise money for our local vets, so I decided to start one.”

The distance honors the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide each day.

“We had a huge success this year,” Manor said. “Thank you to everyone who participated, those who sponsored and donated, and to our local vets.”

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