Town of Vinton Veterans Day Ruck - 2025

Join the Town of Vinton's Veterans Outreach Committee as we celebrate Veterans Day with the 2nd Annual Ruck March through town. Saturday, November 1st, from 8:30 am to Noon.   During this Ruck March, we will honor our Past Veterans, celebrate our Current Veterans, and mentor our Future Veterans.

The starting and ending points are the Vinton War Memorial, 814 E Washington Ave, Vinton, VA. Participants will march four (4) miles through town. 

All the proceeds will go to support the Field of Honor hosted by the Town of Vinton.  We will also have refreshments on-site. 

All participants registering by October 13th are guaranteed a t-shirt.

This is a fun fitness team-building event.

This is a Rucking event, so ZERO running is involved...We start as a Unit and End as a Unit.
Weight Standard: If you weigh under 150lbs, carry 10lbs of static weight; if you weigh over 150lbs, carry 20lbs of static weight. (Static weight can be GoRuck Plates, Flat Weights, Old School phone books, textbooks, weights that can lie flat against your back in your pack)

***Wearing a plate carrier is a suitable substitute for pack weight***

Each participant will have a 10 or 20lb Ruck Plate (or equivalent in non-consumable weight) in their rucksack at the start point.
We are not making this mandatory if you have not rucked before. We would like you to carry a ruck with your water and light snacks to get a feel of what rucking is like. Carrying weight in your ruck/backpack during the mission represents the weight many service members have in the battle against combat stress.

Additional Pack and Registrant requirements:

Required Gear

• Rucksack, Backpack, Alice Pack, or equivalent
• Static Weight
  • Under 150lbs = 10lb weight
  • Over 150lbs = 20lb weight. 

• Boots with ankle support
• Synthetic blend socks
• Weather-appropriate active wear (rain gear, windproofing, Ranger shorts, beanies)
• Weather-appropriate base layer (November in Virginia can see all four seasons in one day - plan accordingly, so expect all four seasons in one day)
• Lightweight pants
• Wool, knit, or fleece cap
• Ball cap
• Lightweight, durable gloves
• Headlamp and extra batteries 
• Hydration bladder, minimum 3L
• Water bottle, minimum 32oz (this is a spare for you or to aid another Registrant)
• Reflective belt or vest, Blinky Lights, Runner bands
• Small First Aid Kit
• Cell Phone Wallet with ID, and cash (waterproofed)
• Travel Snacks

Optional but Encouraged 

• American, Thin Blue Line, Thin Red Line, Military Branch, Agency, or Memorial Flags
  • All American flags will lead the Ruck and stay at the front of the pack
  • Please avoid political affiliation flags to prevent confusion with a rally

Participation Guidelines

• No alternative methods of transportation are permitted—this is a ruck-only event.
• Participants must follow all traffic, pedestrian, and general laws while on the route.