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

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

Info: Participants will receive an event t-shirt.

Info: Veteran and First Responder VIPs to be announced.

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.

Host or Publisher Ohio Suicide Prevention Foundation