Our 12th Annual Ruck4HIT is April 23-24, 2027
About the Ruck4HIT
Ruck4HIT is a team-based ruck relay that challenges participants to carry both weight and purpose across Cape Cod. The event spans more than 200 miles through all 15 towns of the Cape and takes place over approximately 36 hours. Teams begin in Falmouth and ruck to the tip of the Cape in Provincetown, where the first team challenge—climbing the Pilgrim Monument together—marks a powerful midpoint of the race. Teams then turn back toward Falmouth, completing a second team challenge along the return route before finishing at the Cape Cod Fairgrounds and celebrating together at the Finish Line Party.
Ruck4HIT features three divisions—Jethro, Jones, and HELOS—each designed to offer a unique distance and level of challenge while maintaining the event’s core mission. The Jethro and Jones divisions complete the full 200+ mile course and both team challenges. The HELOS division covers 100+ miles and completes a single team challenge, providing a shorter but equally meaningful ruck experience.
Across all divisions, athletes run 2–4 mile legs while carrying a 10- to 20-pound rucksack. The rucksack symbolizes the burdens carried by our military members and veterans during service and long after it ends. Each mile represents hardship, resilience, and the perseverance required to complete the mission together.
Created in collaboration with local veterans, active-duty service members, and community supporters, Ruck4HIT raises awareness and funds for Heroes In Transition, Inc. Proceeds directly support programs benefiting veterans, active service members, and military families. This event is grounded in a simple promise: we carry the load together, honor those who serve, and never leave a fallen comrade behind.
Presenting Sponsor
The Event Details and Divisions
This is an endurance event, and an opportunity to raise funds and awareness for veterans and military families, not a race. We understand that there will always be a certain level of competitiveness that cannot be removed from an event of this nature. Please do not let ego replace the reason you chose to participate in the Ruck4HIT. That said, we have created three divisions, based on Eric’s life and service, all three defined by integrity and marked by honor.
Jethro Division:
The Jethro Division represents Captain Jones when he was working. “Jethro” was Eric’s call sign, and when on a mission, his job was to support his men and women, provide them with cover and safety, complete the mission, and represent the Corps!
Course:
Rucks:
Van:
Team Fundraising Minimum:
Jones Division:
The Jones Division represents Eric when he was not on duty. He laughed and joked with others, always supported those around him, and never missed an opportunity to help someone he saw struggling.
Course:
Rucks:
Van:
Team Fundraising Minimum:
Helos Division:
Eric was a Helicopter pilot. A common term for helicopter is a ‘HELO’, known for supporting missions, hovering where needed, and operating on shorter durations than jets. The HELOS division reflects that same spirit. HELOS stands for Heroes Electrifying Loyal Onward Support.
Course:
Rucks:
Van:
Team Fundraising Minimum:
Donate Now
You can support the Ruck4HIT with a donation. Funds raised will support Heroes In Transition’s mission to assist service members, veterans, and military families in our region through programs which strengthen relationships, build community, offer healing, and empower individuals. To make a donation, click the button below.
Sponsor the Ruck4HIT
If you’re a business owner that wants to give back to veterans, service members, and military families in our region, consider supporting the Ruck4HIT as an Event Sponsor. Your sponsorship will go to strengthen Heroes In Transition’s mission and the more than 10 programs they offer to individuals and families on Cape Cod, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, and beyond.
For more information or to learn about becoming a Ruck4HIT sponsor, contact rucksponsors@heroesintransition.org.
Why do we Ruck?
The easy answer is, “for those who can’t”.
When someone asks, “Why do you ruck?”, the response should be firm and unwavering:
4ThoseWhoCant.
The longer-and more meaningful-answer is personal. Each of you carries your own reasons for being here. There is someone who has touched your life, accomplished extraordinary things, made incredible sacrifices, and endured unimaginable circumstances without ever asking for anything in return. By accepting this challenge, you are helping raise awareness and funds that directly support Heroes In Transition (HIT) and its mission to serve veterans, active service members, and military families. For that, we thank you.
In 2026, Ruck4HIT marks its 11th anniversary. What began as a crazy idea-to run from Ground Zero to Cape Cod while wearing weighted packs-became something much bigger. With two vans of drivers, ruckers, and support personnel, that original team completed a 275+ mile course through four states in approximately 37 hours. That effort gave birth to Ruck4HIT. While the location, date, course, and personnel have evolved since 2016, the heart of this event has never changed.
The weight and the rucksack are symbolic. They represent the burdens our service members carry-physically, mentally, and emotionally. This event is not an attempt to replicate those burdens, but to honor them. And when it gets tough out there on the course-and it will-remember why you are here. Remember who you are honoring and what they have sacrificed.
When our service members are called to complete a mission, shortcuts are not an option. Neither are they here. You and your team will complete this mission together. You will not take shortcuts. You will leave no one behind.
And when you look back on what you’ve accomplished, know this: someone, somewhere, was watching-and they are proud of you.
You earned it.
Why do you ruck?
Mission Statement:
Ruck4HIT was created in collaboration with supporters, local veterans, and individuals currently serving to raise awareness and funds for Heroes In Transition and their programs which provide critical assistance to service members, veterans, and military families. As every service member is forced to carry the burden of war during active service and beyond, carrying the rucksack is symbolic of hardships endured and the perseverance required to complete the mission, all in the continuing effort to never leave a fallen comrade behind.
Please visit and like our @Ruck4HIT Facebook Page and our @Ruck4HIT Instagram Page to learn more about the Ruck4HIT!
Thank you to all of our 2026 Ruck Sponsors!
