Heroes In Transition (HIT) is inviting anyone interested in learning more about this year’s 5th Annual Ruck4HIT to an informational session on Wednesday, January 8 at 6 PM at Cape Cod Coffee Café in Mashpee Commons.
“This is a great opportunity for everyone from runners to drivers to sponsors to support runners to learn about the Ruck4HIT, why people participate, and how they can get involved in this year’s race,” Ruck4HIT Organizer Steve Spencer said. “For many, it’s the most difficult race they have ever run in, but also the most meaningful. In the end, people realize they are running for those who can’t, especially service members who have paid the ultimate sacrifice.”
Started in 2016, the Ruck4HIT is a relay race in which teams of runners run through each town on Cape Cod over the course of roughly 36 hours. Twelve runners and four support personnel participated in the first iteration which started at Ground Zero in New York City and concluded in Falmouth, 41 hours later.
RUCK4HIT INFO SESSION
WHEN: Wednesday, January 26 at 6 PM
WHERE: Cape Cod Coffee Cafe in Mashpee Commons
In 2017, the course shifted to the Cape and expanded to 12 teams taking part in the race. Since then, it has taken place on Cape Cod, attracting participants from throughout the United States.
Organizers are seeking runners, support runners, drivers, sponsors, volunteers, and donors to participate in the 5th Annual Ruck4HIT which will kick off on Friday, May 1 in Bourne and end on Saturday, May 2 in Mashpee.
Next week’s info session will offer details on the race and ways people can participate.
Each person is vital to the success of the race. “Whether you’re a runner, driver, volunteer, sponsor, or donor, you can have a major impact on raising awareness for the Ruck4HIT and raising funds to support Heroes In Transition’s work to assist veterans, service members, and military families,” Spencer said.
As part of the Ruck4HIT, runners wear 20- or 30-pound rucksacks on their back as a reminder of the sacrifices our service members and veterans have made and the burdens they carry on behalf of our country. Each participant runs a 2- to 4-mile leg before switching off with a teammate.
To participate, you must be 18 years or older.
The Ruck4HIT has two separate divisions: JETHRO and JONES. Jethro refers to the call sign of U.S. Marine Captain Eric A. Jones. Heroes In Transition was formed in honor of Captain Jones following his death in a helicopter crash during a combat mission in Afghanistan in October 2009. The Mashpee-based nonprofit supports active duty military, veterans, and military families through a range of services that include financial assistance; monthly outings for military couples; a canine co-pilot program; fishing excursions; a Fall Couples Retreat; and an equine therapy program.
Teams in the JETHRO Division will have 1 van, 7 runners, 2 drivers, and be required to raise a minimum of $5,000 to support Heroes In Transition. Teams in the JONES Division will have 2 vans, up to 14 runners, up to 4 drivers, and be required to raise a minimum of $8,000.
Individuals interested in running or driving should contact ruck4hit@gmail.com. Companies interested in serving as a sponsor should email contact@heroesintransition.org. Those interested in volunteering for the Ruck4HIT should contact ruck4hitvolunteers@gmail.com.
Group training sessions for the Ruck4HIT started in mid-December and will continue through the end of April. They take place every Saturday morning at Cape Cod Coffee Café in Mashpee Commons at 7:45 AM. “These sessions are a perfect way for people to meet their fitness goals for 2020 while connecting with a group of like-minded individuals who understand the importance of giving back,” Spencer said. “Anyone is invited and it’s another opportunity to learn more about the Ruck4HIT and ways to get involved.”
