LCVFS@VPHOPE.ORG

2026 Ruck March

2026 Ruck March

Veterans Path to Hope of Lake County, formerly LCVFS is once again hosting a ruck march to raise awareness of the estimated 22 veterans who take their own lives each day. The 22-kilometer LIVE course will be open to anyone who wants to cover the distance in one day on Saturday, September 12, 2026 at Nippersink Forest Preserve in Round Lake, Illinois.

Due to last year’s overwhelming success, we are adding an option for anyone who wants to march at their own pace and at the place of their choosing. You can spread out your march from September 1 to 22, doing as much or as little each day as long as you complete 22 kilometers by September 22.

You can walk, run, swim, bike – your choice. This march can be completed anywhere in the world!

We just need your online registration and your word that you completed your march.

All funds raised will benefit Lake County Veteran and Family Services now called The Landing Zone of Veterans Path to Hope, which provides support to address underlying causes of veteran suicide.

Why 22?

In 2013, the VA released a study indicating that 22 veterans were dying by suicide per day. Since then, the number has decreased, but the number 22 has shaped how Americans think about military veterans.

22 has become a rallying cry to raise awareness of suicide among veterans, especially those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Ruck Up!

“Ruck” is a military term for march or hike. A “ruck sack” is a backpack you wear during a ruck. To “ruck up” means it’s time to get to work and overcome challenges and accomplish missions.

So, let’s get to work! Register to participate, load 22 pounds in your ruck sack(optional), and remember those we’ve lost.

This year’s event will take place at Nippersink Forest Preserve at 900 W. Belvidere Road, Round Lake IL 60073. We will meet at Picnic Shelter C. There are 70+ parking spaces in the parking lot. Registration starts at 0800, and we step off at 0900.

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