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?