The War Within is proud to announce the 2nd annual event honoring Anthony Salem and bringing awareness and help to those in our communities still fighting the battle with addiction and suicide.

7/26/26 8 AM at the Tuscarawas Shelter at Firestone park in Akron

Run Walk Ruck

You choose your distance, 2 mi (1 loop), 4 mi, 8 mi. We will close the course at noon.

Honoring Their Legacy( the non-profit is changing the name, will have this before we go live 1/1/26) proudly presents the 2nd Annual War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salema run, walk, and ruck event created to honor Iraq Combat Veteran Anthony Salem, who tragically lost his battle with addiction and the invisible wounds of war on September 24, 2023.

The War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem is more than a race.
It is a call to action.

Participants will run, walk, or ruck a scenic 2 mile course (1,2, or 4 loops) along the trail, symbolizing the weight many carry in silence.

Every day, veterans and people in recovery fight a battle many never seeagainst PTSD, addiction, and the effects of trauma. Far too many lose that fight. This event shines a light on those struggles while empowering those still fighting.

All proceeds will be donated to Running2bwell to give shoes, apparel, bikes, race entries, and gym passes to veterans and those fighting addiction and mental health struggles. Regular exercise, especially outside and with others has been shown to benefit mental health and addiction recovery.