The End of Watch Memorial Ruck is planned for October 1-3 in Santa Rosa County. The event aims to honor the lives of 147 officers who died in the line of duty in 2019.
Organizers say teams of athletes will will set out in a relay event to ruck 147 miles over the course of 55 hours, carrying 147 one-pound weights. Each weight will bear the name of an officer who died in the line of duty in 2019.
“Having seen the impacts that this job can have on a law enforcement officer, it can become very discouraging for officers to carry on and go to work the next day,” said Caleb Cook, founder of the event. “Everything about the End of Watch Memorial Ruck honors the fallen and shows support for our officers who continually carry the weight of a day’s shift home with them.”
The End of Watch Memorial Ruck is in its third year and is organized by the End of Watch Foundation. Funds raised by the event will go to support the mission of the End of Watch Foundation.
Organizers say measures will be taken to practice social distancing and follow guidance from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Unlike past years, this year athletes will follow a closed, outdoor course at the Santa Rosa County Fairgrounds. Athletes (ruckers), volunteers, and sponsors interested in the event are encouraged to visit www.EOWMR.com for more information.
