The Connecticut Veterans Day Race is a fun and motivating event in our state to recognize and honor our brave men and women who have served. All veterans and their families know about sacrifice​ and patriotism; a​nd this event is an opportunity to celebrate and support the veteran organizations ​who serve them. 

Some ask what is a ruck march? It is a low-intensity exercise in which you add weight to your back while walking or hiking. To perform a rucking exercise, simply add weight to a backpack before walking or hiking. Rucking can help you burn calories and build strength—more so than ordinary walks or hikes.

For those CT Veterans Day Race participants who select the Ruck, we ask you to put non-perishable food items in your backpack (no specific weight limit) for the 3-mile ruck and at the finish, the food items will be donated to the veterans food pantry at the Veterans Base Camp "Vittles for Veterans" program.

100% of the proceeds support veterans in CT. We also accept donations of daily essential items for the "Backpacks for Life" program.  These items will be sorted and packed by the Coventry H.S. National Honor Society and then distributed to homeless veterans in CT.  There's a way for everyone to support our veterans and have fun showing your American pride and patriotism. You can be a participant, sponsor, donor or volunteer or just cheer on those who do.