2nd Annual 5K Ruck/Walk For Veterans & First Responders

OSPF's 2nd Annual 5k Ruck/Walk for Veterans & First Responders takes place on October 11th at Veterans Park, in Delaware, OH

About this Event

Join us for the 2nd Annual Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation's 5K Ruck/Walk for Veterans & First Responders on Saturday, October 11, 2025, at Veterans Park in Delaware, OH. Registration starts at 8:00 a.m., and the event will run from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Don't miss this opportunity to support our veterans and first responders! Sign up below for only $25, with proceeds going towards veteran and first responder suicide prevention efforts in Ohio. Kids 13 and under walk for free!

The purpose of the 5K ruck/walk event is for attendees to complete the designated route while carrying a ruck (backpack), a weighted vest, or nothing, to signify the extra weight that veterans and first responders carry while quietly navigating mental health struggles.

Suicide among Veterans is at a crisis level. While we’ve made strides in recognizing the signs and providing help, there’s an urgent need to integrate suicide prevention practices within post-service culture, connect those in need to life-saving resources, and, most importantly, improve access to mental health care. Ohio’s sixth-largest Veteran population, at 689,000, is a stark reminder of this pressing need. Together, we share a concern for these issues, and by coming together, we can create a supportive community for those who need it.

Depression and PTSD are not rare occurrences among first responders; they are alarmingly common. Police officers and firefighters are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty. 35% of police officers experience PTSD, and 18-24% of 911 operators and dispatchers also battle with this condition. These statistics are not just numbers; they represent the daily struggles of our brave first responders.

OSPF Resources

1. Suicide Prevention for Veterans: Rack Card - Download
2. First Responders: Rack Card - Download
3. Life Side Ohio: Rack Card - Download
4. OSPF: Rack Card - Download

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qTvxGmftGgM

Agenda


🕑: 08:00 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration
Host: Annie Bellware

Info: Participants will receive an event t-shirt.

🕑: 08:40 AM - 09:00 AM
Opening Remarks
Host: Jason Hughes

Info: Veteran and First Responder VIPs to be announced.

🕑: 09:00 AM - 12:00 PM
5K Ruck/Walk for Veterans & First Responders
Host: Jason Hughes

Info: Participants can join the event at any time during the three hours and have the option to wear a rucksack or weighted vest. The route at Veterans Park is a 0.8-mile (1,500-step) loop with an easy rating, ensuring it's suitable for all fitness levels. The event involves completing four laps (3.1 miles) using the designated start and end points.

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