Five For The Fallen

2nd Annual Memorial Day Honor Ruck 2026

Five for the Fallen
"Marching to Remember, Rucking to Honor"

Join us on Memorial Day for a meaningful 5-mile ruck, honoring the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our nation. The Five For The Fallen Memorial March invites Active Duty Service Members, Veterans, and Civilians to come together in a solemn tribute to the fallen, while supporting the important mission of T.A.P.S. (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors).

Event Details:

Start & Finish Location: USS Cod - 1201 N Marginal Rd, Cleveland, OH 44114
Date: Monday, May 25, 2026

Ruckers will embark on a scenic and reflective journey through Cleveland, with designated tribute points to honor and remember the fallen.

*This is a rules of the road course. Course leads and support will be available. 

Schedule of Events:

11:00 AM - Packet Pick-Up Opens
11:45 AM - Presentation and National Anthem
12:00 PM - Ruck Steps Off
  1:30 PM - 2:00 PM - Finish Line Festivities back at the USS Cod

Why Join Us?

By rucking together, we honor those who served and gave all while uplifting their families and loved ones. Your participation directly supports T.A.P.S., helping ensure no survivor grieves alone.

Event Perks:

Commemorative Ruck Patch
Option to purchase Soft-Fit Short Sleeve Shirt
Post-Ruck Snacks

Whether you’re a seasoned rucker or new to the community, this event is for everyone who wants to make Memorial Day truly meaningful.

Register Now:

Sign up today to secure your spot and help us honor our heroes. Together, we’ll carry their memory forward.

Routes: 5 Mile / 1 Mile

Honor Poster:

Memorial Day is about honoring those who have paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. As a way to pay tribute, we are creating posters to honor your family and friends who have served.

If you would like to have a family member, friend or loved one honored, you can purchase an honor poster and send the details below to: (angie.dietz@runtheland.com Deadline: 5/18/2026)

Name
Date or Year of Birth/Death
Image (optional)
Rank and Branch of Service

If you are interested in becoming a sponsor, please reach out to Melissa Waclawik, Event Director, at melissa@runtheland.com

Do I need to supply my own ruck?
Yes

Will there be water on the course?
There will be a water stop at the cross point between the upper and lower bowl. You will pass this twice on the course. We still recommend you bring any aid you feel necessary. 

Is this a race? 
No. This is a march to honor the sacrifice of our fallen.

How much weight do I need to carry?
There is no required weight for your ruck. You can carry as little or as much as you like. 

Do I have to carry a ruck to participate?
No. Individuals who wish to come out and pay tribute are welcome to walk.

Are uniforms required?
No. However, military are welcome to march in uniform.

Can I bring my dog?
Yes. All dogs need to be kept on a leash, and you must clean up after them. Please also be respectful of other ruckers ability to maintain movement.

Can I bring my kids or use a stroller?
Yes. We just ask that you are courteous of other ruckers ability to maintain movement. 
**Kids under 10 are free (no shirt or patch will be given) and must remain with a parent or guardian at all times. 

The Mission of TAPS

TAPS is the national nonprofit organization providing compassionate care and comprehensive resources to all those grieving a death in the military or veteran community. 

Since 1994, TAPS has provided comfort and hope 24/7 through a national peer support network and connection to grief resources, all at no cost to surviving families and loved ones.

TAPS provides a variety of programs to survivors nationally and worldwide. Our National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp has been held annually in Washington, D.C., over Memorial Day weekend since 1994. TAPS also conducts regional survivor seminars for adults and youth programs at locations across the country, as well as retreats and expeditions around the world. Staff can get you connected to counseling in your community and help navigate benefits and resources.

If you are grieving the loss of a fallen service member, or if you know someone who can use our support, the TAPS 24/7 National Military Survivor Helpline is always available toll-free with loving support and resources at 800-959-TAPS (8277).

If you are here because our mission to care for the families of America’s fallen heroes speaks to you as well, we welcome you to connect with us about giving, volunteering, professional engagement or careers.

TAPS is a national nonprofit 501(c)3 Veterans Service Organization and is not part of, or endorsed by, the Department of Defense.

Click here to learn more about TAPS. 

Dogs are welcome but need to be kept on a leash, and you must clean up after them. Please also be respectful of other ruckers ability to maintain movement.

Strollers and kids are welcome. We just ask that you are courteous of other ruckers ability to maintain movement. 
**Kids under 10 are free (no shirt or patch will be given) and must remain with a parent or guardian at all times.

Headphones are perfectly fine, but stay alert and keep the volume down to hear any important announcements or instructions from the course staff.

We recommend you carry a cell phone in the event that you need assistance. The race director can be reached at 440-622-7287. Remember, if necessary, please dial 911.

If you are interested in volunteering, please reach out to Melissa Waclawik, Event Director, at melissa@runtheland.com