Distance gives more people opportunity to get involved in annual fundraiser
January 23, 2026 (Cape Cod, MA) – Heroes In Transition (HIT) is excited to announce that this year’s Ruck4HIT will be expanding with the addition of a new HELOS division that will give more people a chance to participate in the one-of-a-kind ruck relay race.
In addition to the existing two divisions, Jones and Jethro, the HELOS division will provide an opportunity for participants to experience the physical and mental challenges embedded in this endurance event. However, participants will begin at the midway point on the course, in Provincetown, and make their way to the finish line in East Falmouth.
“By adding this new component to the Ruck4HIT, we are opening the event up to more people who may not be able to commit to the full two days,” said Race Director Ron Chapman. “It’s also a great way for ruckers to get a taste for a race that is unlike any other in the world.”
Entering its 11th year, the Ruck4HIT started in 2016 as a one-team relay in which 12 ruckers and 4 drivers rucked 41 hours from Ground Zero in New York City to Falmouth. The following year, the event moved to Cape Cod, where it has been held ever since, with multiple teams, consisting of a minimum of 7 ruckers and 2 drivers, rucking through all 15 towns over the course of roughly 36 hours.
What makes the race unique is that each rucker wears a 10- to 20-pound rucksack which symbolizes the burdens our military and veterans carry in service to our country.
The ruck starts at Cape Cod Fairgrounds in East Falmouth, with teams rucking their way east to the Pilgrim Monument in Provincetown, roughly the mid-point of the Ruck4HIT, before making their way back to the finish line at the fairgrounds. This year, teams (7 ruckers, 2 drivers) have the opportunity to start the Ruck4HIT in Provincetown by signing up in the HELOS Division.
“The HELOS Division is one avenue for us to grow the Ruck4HIT,” said HIT Executive Director Silene Gordon. “It’s an event that brings more than 400 ruckers, drivers, support runners, volunteers, and supporters from throughout the country to Cape Cod, all to support our mission to assist local veterans, service members, and their loved ones. The more opportunities we give people to get involved in the Ruck4HIT, the greater impact it will have on this amazing event as well as the important work we do.”
Individuals or teams interested in signing up for or learning more about the Ruck4HIT, which kicks off on Friday, April 24th and concludes roughly 36 hours on Saturday, April 25th, can do so at http://ruck4hit.org. The deadline to register is Sunday, February 8th.
A Mashpee-based nonprofit, HIT is now in its 17th year. It was started by Cyndy and the late Kenneth Jones following the death of their only son, U.S. Marine Capt. Eric A. Jones, who was killed in a helicopter crash while flying a combat mission in Afghanistan in October 2009.
Cyndy and Kenneth formed HIT to honor Eric’s life, service, and sacrifice which it does through 15 programs which assist nearly 2,500 individuals on an annual basis. These programs are unique in that they not only assist individuals who are serving and who have served our country, but extends to their family members.
The Ruck4HIT now has three separate divisions — Jethro (7 ruckers, 2 drivers), Jones (7-14 ruckers, 2-4 drivers), and HELOS — all of which pay tribute to Eric Jones. Jethro was Eric’s call sign; Jones refers to his last name, and HELOS is a common term for a helicopter, which Eric flew, and which also stands for Heroes Electrifying Loyal Onward Support.
Along with the physical demands of the Ruck4HIT, teams raise funds that go directly to support HIT’s programs.
Additional funds are raised through event sponsorships, a way for businesses to increase their visibility while giving back to the community and a great cause. Business owners interested in becoming a Ruck4HIT Sponsor can visit http://ruck4hit.org or email HIT Fundraising & Events Manager Meghan Keller at rucksponsors@heroesintransition.org.
The event also requires the support of nearly 160 volunteers who assist at the start and finish line and staff 71 exchange along the race course. Anyone interested in signing up as a volunteer can do so at http://ruck4hit.org.
Current sponsors for this year’s Ruck4HIT are Capewide Construction, Inc., The Baldwin Group, Falmouth Road Race, and 382 Communications.
About Heroes In Transition (HIT)
Founded in 2009 following the death of U.S. Marine Captain Eric A. Jones, Heroes In Transition (HIT) is now in its 17th year. The Mashpee-based nonprofit provides support to veterans, service members, and military families that is not readily available through other organizations. Its services include a Families In Transition (FIT) and veterans equine therapy program; financial assistance; separate bimonthly outings for military couples, military spouses, military families, and service members/veterans; a REBOOT/REGROUP health and wellness program for veterans, service members, and spouses; and an annual Spring and Fall Couples Retreat. To learn more about HIT, visit www.heroesintransition.org.