COLUSA, CA (MPG) – Weighted packs and a 22-mile course challenged participants in Colusa’s Ruck for Vets on Nov. 7, while an expanded gathering at Veterans Memorial Park gave the community more ways to support local veterans.
Hosted by Lauren Manor, owner of The Garage Fitness and Nutrition, the event included food and small-business vendors, raffle prizes and participation by cadets from Williams Junior/Senior High School. Proceeds were designated for the Colusa County VFW Hall.
Before participants left the starting line, Manor announced that fundraising had already topped $4,000.
“I come from a military family, so this is extremely sentimental to me,” Manor said.
She recognized relatives whose service spans generations, including her father, brothers and a daughter who recently joined the Navy. The event also brought attention to veteran suicide and honored those who have served.
For first-place finisher Rudy Gutierrez, 25, of Maxwell, the challenge began with an invitation from his brother, veteran Cesar Gutierrez, who participates every year.
“My brother told me to sign up and do it with him,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez completed the course in 3 hours, 46 minutes. Josh Garcia finished second in 4:25:30, followed by Felipe Granados in 4:31:36.
The distance was new territory for Gutierrez, a 2019 Maxwell High School graduate, who tested himself with a shorter run a week before the event.
“I’ve never run this long. Last week I ran 14 miles to see if I could even do it,” Gutierrez said.
Gutierrez had also never run with weight on his back. Participants were required to carry 20 pounds for men and 10 pounds for women, which represents only a fraction of the weight what service members carry in the field.
The route took participants from the park through Colusa, across the Sacramento River bridge and along Butte Slough Road toward Meridian before they turned around for the return trip. Those choosing a new park option had a goal of completing 22 laps.
Volunteer drivers traveled the course with water, electrolytes and snacks, checking on participants and providing rides for anyone unable to continue.
Back at the park, visitors browsed clothing, jewelry, candles and woodcrafts, purchase food and baked goods, and enter drawings for donated prizes. Offerings included gift baskets and a Blackstone grill.
Sgt. 1st Class Benjamin Federici, who leads the California Cadet Corps program at Williams Junior/Senior High School, served as master of ceremonies.
Federici said he volunteered after students participated the previous year, including some preparing to enter the military. He offered to provide music, handle announcements and help keep the expanded event moving.
“Once I heard about this, I knew I had to be a part of it,” he said.
The school’s cadet program promotes academic success, patriotism, wellness and citizenship through a structured military framework. Cadets helped with the Ruck’s opening observance, which included taps, a 22-second moment of silence and the national anthem.
As participants returned, Federici called people to the finish line to cheer them through the final steps, giving those who had spent hours on the road a community welcome.