Participants begin the 2025 Ruck for Vets in Colusa. This year's event returns Nov. 7 with a 22-mile walk, live music, vendors and activities benefiting the Colusa County VFW Hall. Photo by Lloyd Green Jr.

COLUSA, CA (MPG) - The third annual Ruck for Vets will return to Colusa on Saturday, Nov. 7, with a 22-mile walk to support local veterans and new activities that include live music, vendors, raffles and a shorter walking option at Veterans Memorial Park.

Organizer Lauren Manor Craft, owner of The Garage Fitness & Nutrition, said this year's event will offer more opportunities for community members to participate, even if they cannot complete the full 22-mile course.

One addition is "Ruck the Park," an activity that allows veterans and community members to walk laps around Veterans Memorial Park at their own pace.

“With no time limit, participants can walk any number of laps throughout the day,” said Manor Craft. “I will have a whiteboard available for participants to track their progress.”

The main ruck begins at 8 a.m., following registration at 7 a.m. Participants will travel from Veterans Memorial Park through Colusa, across the Sacramento River and along Butte Slough Road toward Meridian before returning.

The 22-mile distance represents the estimated 22 veterans who die by suicide each day. Participants are encouraged to carry weighted packs, 20 pounds for men and 10 pounds for women, to recognize the loads military personnel carry during service. Weights are optional, and walkers do not have to complete the entire route.

The morning program will include patriotic music from an Arbuckle school band and participation by Williams High School cadets. A cadet will perform the national anthem, another will play taps and organizers will observe 22 seconds of silence.

The cadets will also assist with event activities. Veterans will operate mobile water and supply vehicles along the route and provide transportation for participants who need assistance.

Beginning at noon, vendor booths will offer food, crafts and other merchandise. Black Pine Revival will provide free live music from 1 to 3 p.m., followed by a raffle at 3 p.m.

Raffle prizes will include gift baskets, wine, gift cards and a Traeger grill donated through local sponsorships. Participants will receive a raffle ticket with registration, while additional tickets will be available for purchase.

The event began in 2024 when Manor Craft, who comes from a military family, wanted to combine her background in fitness with support for local veterans. Her daughter now serves in the Navy.

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

Participation has grown each year. Last year's event drew 58 participants, including seven who completed the walk remotely in El Dorado, and raised more than $3,700 for the Colusa County VFW Hall.

Manor Craft said about 30 people had registered as of Oct. 24, and she hopes to attract 60 to 80 participants this year.

The registration fee is $35, with proceeds benefiting the VFW Hall. The event will take place rain or shine.

“I welcome any community member to visit the park throughout the day to shop, listen to music, take a few laps around the park, and support our local veterans,” said Manor Craft.

Registration and additional information are available at http://www.laurensgarage.com/ruck26.