DEFENDER 5k and 2.2 mile Ruck
- Date Sat 6th June 2026
- Time 6:00AM EDT
- Location Saint Petersburg, Florida
- Price $24.32 - $38.10
- Races 3 races
- Distances 5km
Event summary
Join us on Saturday, June 6, 2026, for the 4th Annual Sgt. Anthony Muhlstadt Defender Ruck, taking place in the vibrant city of St. Petersburg, Pinellas. This inspiring event features a 5K run and a 2.2-mile ruck walk, inviting participants to honor the memory of Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt, USMC, while promoting vital conversations around military suicide prevention.
As you lace up your shoes and prepare to ruck, you're not just engaging in a physical challenge; you’re joining a powerful movement aimed at raising awareness and providing critical resources to combat the alarming rates of suicide among our military and veterans. After the event, join Anthony's family and friends for a joyful birthday celebration filled with music, vendors, giveaways, and, of course, delicious birthday cake. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a community dedicated to supporting each other and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. Sign up today and help defend hope!
As you lace up your shoes and prepare to ruck, you're not just engaging in a physical challenge; you’re joining a powerful movement aimed at raising awareness and providing critical resources to combat the alarming rates of suicide among our military and veterans. After the event, join Anthony's family and friends for a joyful birthday celebration filled with music, vendors, giveaways, and, of course, delicious birthday cake. Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with a community dedicated to supporting each other and ensuring that no one feels alone in their struggles. Sign up today and help defend hope!
Organiser's Description
4TH ANNUAL SGT. ANTHONY MUHLSTADT DEFENDER RUCK
DEADLINE FOR GUARANTEED EVENT SHIRT IS MAY 20TH.
AFTER MAY 20TH, T-SHIRTS WILL BE BASED ON AVAILABILITY. THANK YOU
PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTED TO BATTLING MILITARY SUICIDE
Ruck. Remember. Defend.
Anthonys Defender Run/Ruck or Walk is more than a physical challengeit is a mission of purpose, remembrance, and ACTION.
We ruck to honor Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt, USMC, and every service member who has silently carried the weight of stress, trauma, and isolation while serving our country. Anthonys life, service, and loss remind us that strength does not mean suffering aloneand that suicide prevention begins with connection, education, and courage.
This event exists because suicide is claiming the lives of our active-duty military and veterans at an alarming rate, and too often the warning signs are missed. Anthonys Defender Ruck was created to bring those conversations out of the shadows and into the openwhere real change happens.
When you participate, you are doing more than showing up:
You are standing in defense of life
You are raising awareness for suicide prevention
You are funding critical training and resources that equip people to recognize the signs, have hard conversations, and intervene when it matters most
You are honoring the fallen and supporting the living
Whether you ruck in person, participate virtually or sponsor, you become part of a community that refuses to stay silent and chooses to lead with action.
We ruck to remember
We ruck to protect those still serving.
We ruck so others know they are never alone.
Thank you for stepping up, shouldering the weight, and defending hope.
The Defender 5K and Ruck Walk is also a celebration of life; the lives that were lived in honor of God, Community, and Country. Participants are welcome to join Anthony's family and friends for a special birthday celebration after completion of the Defender Ruck Walk. There will be music, vendors, giveaways, camaraderie, friendship, love, and, of course, birthday cake. Participants are encouraged to use their own devices (smartwatches, etc.) to track their times.
DEADLINE FOR GUARANTEED EVENT SHIRT IS MAY 20TH.
AFTER MAY 20TH, T-SHIRTS WILL BE BASED ON AVAILABILITY. THANK YOU
PROCEEDS TO BENEFIT LOCAL ORGANIZATIONS COMMITTED TO BATTLING MILITARY SUICIDE
Ruck. Remember. Defend.
Anthonys Defender Run/Ruck or Walk is more than a physical challengeit is a mission of purpose, remembrance, and ACTION.
We ruck to honor Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt, USMC, and every service member who has silently carried the weight of stress, trauma, and isolation while serving our country. Anthonys life, service, and loss remind us that strength does not mean suffering aloneand that suicide prevention begins with connection, education, and courage.
This event exists because suicide is claiming the lives of our active-duty military and veterans at an alarming rate, and too often the warning signs are missed. Anthonys Defender Ruck was created to bring those conversations out of the shadows and into the openwhere real change happens.
When you participate, you are doing more than showing up:
You are standing in defense of life
You are raising awareness for suicide prevention
You are funding critical training and resources that equip people to recognize the signs, have hard conversations, and intervene when it matters most
You are honoring the fallen and supporting the living
Whether you ruck in person, participate virtually or sponsor, you become part of a community that refuses to stay silent and chooses to lead with action.
We ruck to remember
We ruck to protect those still serving.
We ruck so others know they are never alone.
Thank you for stepping up, shouldering the weight, and defending hope.
The Defender 5K and Ruck Walk is also a celebration of life; the lives that were lived in honor of God, Community, and Country. Participants are welcome to join Anthony's family and friends for a special birthday celebration after completion of the Defender Ruck Walk. There will be music, vendors, giveaways, camaraderie, friendship, love, and, of course, birthday cake. Participants are encouraged to use their own devices (smartwatches, etc.) to track their times.
Races
-
Defender 5k
Incl. $3.10 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th June 2026 (6:00AM EDT)
$38.10
Packet Pickup will start at 6:00 am at the event location 7700 16th St. N. Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 US Participants are encouraged to use their own devices (smartwatches, etc.) to track their times. -
Defender 2.2 Mile
Incl. $2.80 Fee & T-Shirt
Sat 6th June 2026 (6:00AM EDT)
$32.80
Packet Pickup will start at 6:00 am at the event location 7700 16th St. N. Saint Petersburg, FL 33701 US Participants are encouraged to use their own devices (smartwatches, etc.) to track their times. -
Virtual Challenge
Incl. $2.32 Fee & T-Shirt
$24.32
Virtual option is provided for our service members and supporters near and far. Run your event and support the Sgt.Anthony P Muhlstadt Foundation Virtual Ruck Registration $22 Complete the ruck from anywhere. Registration supports suicide prevention and awareness. Optional Add-On: Event T-shirt $15 (includes shipping). To keep registration accessible and maximize funds supporting the mission, T-shirts are optional for virtual participants.
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7700 16th St. N., Saint Petersburg, 33702, FL, United States
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DEFENDER 5k and 2.2 mile Ruck
