Registration Closes Soon for Ruck4HIT to Support Local Military

MASHPEE – A non-profit organization on Cape Cod that assists veterans and military families will hold its annual Ruck4HIT fundraiser in May and the deadline to register is quickly approaching.

Heroes In Transition’s Ruck4HIT is a relay race in which teams of runners travel through each Cape Cod town over a 36 hour period while wearing a 20-30 pound rucksack on their back.

Heroes In Transition Executive Director Nicole Spencer said the event raises awareness for the need to support our military.

“It has gotten such great reviews as far as us getting out there to the public, being able to run all across all 15 towns on Cape Cod,” she said.

This year’s race starts on Friday, May 3 and 1 a.m. at the Courtyard Restaurant & Pub in Bourne and will end around noon on Saturday, May 4 at Dino’s Sports Bar in Mashpee.

This year’s event will feature two separate divisions: JETHRO and JONES.

Jethro refers to the call sign of U.S. Marine Captain Eric A. Jones.

Heroes In Transition was formed in honor of Jones following his death in a helicopter crash during a combat mission in Afghanistan in October 2009.

Teams in the JETHRO division will have one van, seven runners, two drivers, and be required to raise a minimum of $5,000 to support the organization.

JONES division teams will have two vans, up to 14 runners, up to four drivers, and be required to raise a minimum of $8,000.

Spencer said the relay is not an easy task.

“It’s just a really great experience,” Spencer said. “It’s really the closest thing civilians can understand what it’s like to be with a small group very similar to the military.”

The deadline to register for the event is March 1.

“As always we are looking for volunteers throughout the Cape to fill over 70 spots,” Spencer said.

To register as a runner or driver, email [email protected].

The Mashpee-based non-profit supports active duty military, veterans, and military families through a range of services that include financial assistance, monthly outings for military couples, a canine co-pilot program, fishing excursions, and a unique therapy program.