Individuals and teams interested in participating in Heroes In Transition’s (HIT) 4th Annual Ruck4HIT have until Friday, March 1 to register.
“This is a great opportunity for people to challenge themselves physically, mentally, and emotionally while giving back to our country’s true heroes,” said Ruck4HIT Co-organizer Steve Spencer. “Nearly everyone who participates has an important reason why they’re running, and many are doing so for veterans who can’t.”
Started in 2016, the Ruck4HIT is a relay race in which teams of runners run through each town on Cape Cod over the course of roughly 36 hours. This year’s race starts on Friday, May 3 at 1 am at the Courtyard Restaurant & Pub in Bourne and will end around noon on Saturday, May 4 at Dino’s Sports Bar in Mashpee.
This year’s Ruck4HIT has two separate divisions: JETHRO and JONES. Jethro refers to the call sign of U.S. Marine Captain Eric A. Jones. Heroes In Transition was formed in honor of Captain Jones following his death in a helicopter crash during a combat mission in Afghanistan in October 2009. The Mashpee-based nonprofit supports active duty military, veterans, and military families through a range of services that include financial assistance; monthly outings for military couples; a canine co-pilot program; fishing excursions; and an equine therapy program.
Teams in the JETHRO Division will have 1 van, 7 runners, 2 drivers, and be required to raise a minimum of $5,000 to support Heroes In Transition. Teams in the JONES Division will have 2 vans, up to 14 runners, up to 4 drivers, and be required to raise a minimum of $8,000.
As part of the Ruck4HIT, runners wear 20- or 30-pound rucksacks on their back as a reminder of the sacrifices our service members and veterans have made and the burdens they carry on behalf of our country. Each participant runs a 2- to 4-mile leg before switching off with a teammate. Participants must be 18 years or older.
To learn more about Ruck4HIT Cape Cod 2019, visit www.heroesintransition.org. Teams interested in signing up for this year’s Ruck4HIT can do so at https://southshoreracemanagement.redpodium.com/ruck-4-hit-relay-race-2019. Individuals interested in running or driving should email ruck4hit@gmail.com.
Participants are currently meeting every Saturday at Cape Cod Coffee in Mashpee Commons at 7:45 am for training sessions. “These workouts allow people to learn more about Ruck4HIT, meet others participating in the relay, and prepare for what people say is one of the most rewarding, challenging, and inspiring races they have ever run,” said Spencer.
Those interested in volunteering for this year’s Ruck4HIT should contact ruck4hitvolunteers@gmail.com.
Race organizers are also seeking sponsors for the 4th Annual Ruck4HIT. For more info on becoming a sponsor, email ruck4hit@gmail.com.
About Heroes In Transition (HIT)
Founded in 2009 following the death of U.S. Marine Captain Eric A. Jones, Heroes In Transition (HIT) is celebrating its 10th year in 2019. The Mashpee-based nonprofit provides assistance and support to veterans, service members, and military families that is not readily available through other organizations. Its services include: a Canine Co-Pilot Program; a Families In Transition (FIT) equine therapy program; financial assistance; fishing excursions; monthly outings for military couples; and an annual Fall Couples Retreat. To learn more about HIT, visit www.heroesintransition.org.