Hundreds join Duluth ruck march to support veterans' mental health
Hundreds rucked through Duluth to fund a 14-week mental-health program for veterans and first responders, with 23rd Veteran saying donations stay local.
Hundreds of people stepped off in Duluth for 23rd Veteran’s annual Ruck Life march, a fundraiser the nonprofit says helps pay for trauma recovery for veterans and first responders living with isolation, anxiety, panic and depression.
23rd Veteran says the money supports a 14-week program serving veterans in Duluth-Superior, the Twin Cities and the Iron Range. The organization also says registration covers event expenses so fundraising dollars can go directly to local veterans, making the march a practical source of mental-health support rather than just a ceremonial show of solidarity.
The event is built around the military meaning of a ruck march, with participants carrying essential gear over distance. A 2026 Duluth event page described the course as a 2-mile loop, while earlier coverage described the Duluth-area march as a 10-mile route with food and clothing packed in rucksacks or backpacks. 23rd Veteran says that community-powered format also includes food, awards, live entertainment, local vendors, family-friendly activities and a dog-friendly atmosphere.
Founded by Mike J. Waldron, 23rd Veteran says its mission is trauma recovery for veterans and first responders who are trying to break free from the invisible wounds of service. The nonprofit says ruckers are its primary source of funding for hundreds of veterans and their families in the Northland, which is why turnout at the Duluth march matters beyond the finish line.
The fundraiser has grown steadily. One prior year drew about 275 people stepping off together at noon and, by Saturday night, had brought in $79,000 against a $75,000 goal. In another year, the event raised more than $50,000 for veterans’ mental health. Destination Duluth later reported that over nine years, 23rd Veteran hosted 19 events, raised $1,387,594 and collected more than 30,000 pounds of donated food.
Local business support has also helped push the totals higher. Exodus Global said it raised $3,634 for Ruck Life Duluth 2025. As the march continues to grow, 23rd Veteran is leaning on the same formula that has sustained it from the start: a public show of support, private fundraising and a direct line to mental-health programming for local veterans who need help now.
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