Registration for the 2^nd Annual Derry Veteran’s Ruck March 5K is open. This year’s theme is “Honoring Those Who Defended our Freedom for over 250 Years”. Since before the town of Derry was even incorporated men and women from the area played a significant role in the Revolutionary War, most notably as the birthplace of General John Stark, a key military hero who coined the phrase "Live Free or Die". The town's Patriot majority contributed men to key battles like Bunker Hill and Bennington, and was also home to Matthew Thornton, a signer of the Declaration of Independence. In the 250 years since the birth of our nation, Americans have enjoyed living under the umbrella of freedom that our Veteran’s fought for and defended, with many making the ultimate sacrifice and giving their lives for our way of life and for the freedom and basic human rights of others around the world.

Derry’s Veteran Service Organizations (American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars) are filled with members who have served our nation in peace time and in combat. From World War II, Korea, Vietnam, Desert Storm and the Global War on Terror these men and women committed themselves to defend our freedom and ensure America stands proud and tall on its 250^th Birthday. This year’s ruck march is intended to honor those past and present veterans and will help multiple worthwhile and patriotic causes in our community.

100% of all proceeds raised will go to the Derry American Legion and Veterans of Foreign Wars to support the programs in the community they have sustained for nearly 100 years. All food and family supplies collected will be donated to the Derry Salvation Army Food Pantry.

Ruck March Details:

Date: Saturday May 16^th, 2026 at 9:30 AM (Check In and Day of Registration begins at 8AM
This year’s 5K course starts and ends at Derry VFW, 18 Railroad Ave and includes the Derry Rail Trail
Computerized chip timing will be provided by “New England Timing”. Use this year’s event to help you build up to more challenging ruck marches in the future around the region.
First 300 registrations will receive a special T-shirt that honors all military branches, POWs / MIAs, the Legion and VFW, in a beautiful Red White and Blue Design.
Six Award Divisions and ALL registered participants are eligible for randomly drawn prizes. In 2025 attendees received over $500 in various gift cards and gift certificates.
All finishers will receive a completion coin and or patch when they cross the finish line.
Whether you're a seasoned Rucker, new to the experience, or walking without weight, this charity event welcomes individuals of all ages and fitness levels.
*This year’s course will be lined with “Honor” signs YOU Can order to honor a veteran in your family that served. All signs purchased will be welcomed at all future marches. Our goal is to cover the course from start to finish with the names of the thousands of men and women that have served and continue to serve our Great Nation.

Frequently Asked Questions?

What is a Ruck March?

ruck (n.) /'r?k/ -Military shorthand for a rucksack. Familiarly known as a term for a military fitness test characterized by carrying a heavy pack loaded with one's essential gear over a certain distance.

Why Participate?

Honor and Remember: Pay tribute to our military heroes and fallen warriors' service, sacrifice, and lives as you walk pass benches in their honor on the Derry Rail Trail.
Community Connection: Unite with the military community, Gold and Blue-Star Families, and civilians in a shared mission of remembrance and respect to the past and present veterans from Greater Derry and to celebrate our FREEDOM.
Help the Salvation Army of Derry fill their food pantry.
Fun and Fitness: Enjoy a day of competitive and noncompetitive rucking (walking) designed to challenge and inspire you.
Inclusive for All: No matter your age or fitness level, there's a place for you in this patriotic event.
Exciting Prizes: Participants can win over $500 in gift cards and prizes!

What are the Award Divisions?

No Weight- (Non Competitive runner or walker) Top Male and Female
Rucker= 20 lbs. or greater ruck or vest (weighed at finish line on the honor system) (see weight ideas below to Help the Derry Salvation Army)
Oldest Finisher
Youngest Finisher
Most Patriotic Marcher (Think Red White and Blue, but please no flags worn or disrespected)
Largest “TEAM” a special award will be presented to the group that registers the most team members regardless of their finish time as No Weights or Ruckers

What Was Last Year’s Event Like?

Healthy, Patriotic Fun! We saw hundreds of participants (competitive and non-competitive) having a great time on a beautiful march.
We saw older veteran’s smiling and waving on the marchers who felt honored to be a part of something like this in Derry NH.

I Can’t Complete the ruck march, but I want to Help Derry’s Veteran Programs What Can I Do?

You can visit the registration site and make a donation to Ruck March General Fund
You, Your Business or Organization can consider becoming a march sponsor.

What can I put in my back pack / ruck sack for weight?

To compete as a “Rucker” with a weighted back pack, we are encouraging everyone to load their packs up with the most needed items for the Salvation Army Food Pantry. At the conclusion of the march, you can weigh your pack again, unload them at them and they will be loaded on Salvation Army Trucks to be placed in the food pantry for a great cause.

I have a question not answered above, who can I contact?

Contact us at: [email protected]