The Let’s Walk It Out ruck march will return for its sixth year from April 9 through April 18. This event brings together service members, veterans, first responders and community supporters who will put one foot in front of the other towards a deeply personal mission.
The annual event spans 222 miles from Fort Bragg to Camp Lejeune and back. Participants aim to cover approximately 22 miles per day over the course of 10 days. The march is designed to push individuals beyond physical comfort in order to reflect the mental and emotional strain often carried silently by those who serve.
Organizers say the event is rooted in a simple but urgent purpose. Suicide rates among military personnel, veterans, law enforcement officers and first responders remain a national concern. Many in these communities face prolonged exposure to trauma and high-stress environments. The cumulative and lasting effects of service can lead to mental health challenges.
The Let’s Walk It Out march seeks to confront those realities directly by creating both a symbolic and tangible experience. Participants carry weighted packs, known as ‘rucks’, across long distances each day. The physical toll is intentional. While sore muscles and fatigue can often be treated with rest and common anti-inflammatory medication, emotional pain is far more complex and often goes unaddressed.
The organization behind the event, Let’s Walk It Out 222 Mile Ruck March Inc., is a registered 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization focused on suicide prevention through a public health approach. Its programs emphasize awareness, early intervention and reducing the stigma surrounding post traumatic stress and mental illness.
Event leaders say the march is not just about endurance but about connection. Along the route, participants build camaraderie and share stories. The bonding process along the journey creates a support system that mirrors the kind of community many struggle to find after leaving active service or during times of personal difficulty.
Within the framework of the physically demanding walk, there is a daily and intentional focus on veteran suicide awareness. The number 22 comes from an earlier U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimate that approximately 22 veterans died by suicide each day. Although more recent data reflect a different daily average, the number 22 has remained a widely recognized symbol in advocacy efforts. Participants honor that symbolism by walking 22 miles each day, using the physical challenge to reflect the weight of the issue and to reinforce the urgency of addressing mental health within the military and veteran community.
Participants come from a wide range of backgrounds. Active duty service members march alongside veterans, law enforcement officers, firefighters and civilians who want to show their support. Some walk the entire 222 miles, while others join for individual segments, reinforcing the idea that every step taken contributes to a larger purpose.
Organizers emphasize that the journey is as much mental as it is physical. Long hours on the road provide space for reflection, conversation, and sometimes silence. For many, it becomes an opportunity to process experiences that are difficult to articulate in everyday settings.
The march also serves as a platform to normalize discussions around mental health. By bringing these conversations into a public and highly visible setting, Let’s Walk It Out aims to challenge longstanding stigmas that can prevent individuals from seeking help.
Community involvement plays a significant role in the event’s success. Supporters often line portions of the route, offering encouragement, water, and supplies. Local organizations and volunteers assist with logistics, ensuring participants can focus on the mission while safely completing each leg of the journey.
In addition to the march itself, the nonprofit raises funds to support several initiatives. These include its general fund, the annual 222-mile ruck march program, the Service and Sacrifice Scholarship, and an expanding 22-mile ruck march program in Puerto Rico. Each initiative is designed to extend the organization’s impact beyond the event, providing resources and opportunities that promote long-term mental health awareness and support.
Organizers encourage the public to get involved in multiple ways. Individuals can register to participate in the march, volunteer along the route, or contribute financially to support the organization’s programs. Donations help fund outreach efforts, educational initiatives, and resources aimed at preventing suicide and supporting those in need.
As the sixth annual march approaches, leaders say the message remains clear. Those who serve are not alone, and the burden they carry does not have to be faced in isolation.
By combining physical challenge with collective purpose, Let’s Walk It Out continues to create a space where resilience is strengthened, conversations are opened, and lives may ultimately be changed.
Registration and donation information for the 2026 march is available through the organization’s official website at https://bit.ly/4uDB2Jh.

(Photo: Participants in the 2025 Let's Walk it Out ruck march cross the finish line at Charlie Mike's Pub in Fayetteville. Photo courtesy of Let's Walk it Out Facebook page)