Ruck It Up! began five years ago now when Moose Jaw friends Brett Hagan, Tyler Simpson, and Chris Robart decided to turn a passion of theirs — weighted hikes, or ‘rucking’ — into a fundraising event to support local suicide awareness and mental health first aid group Journey to Hope.
Hagan said it’s pretty cool that they’ve been able to establish the event in the community.
“We’ve done well every single year and always improved, either with participants or the money raised, people are stepping up,” he said. “This year’s ruck is on May 31st at 9 a.m., same location as always, at the Rotary Pavilion across from the Burger Cabin.”
Hagan noted that it’s exciting that Burger Cabin has re-opened with new owners.
“Hopefully the Burger Cabin opens up at, like, 10:30, 11 a.m. on that day. I’m not sure what their hours are, but that would be a great thing, for people to get done with the ruck and then maybe head over for some fries and a burger.”
Registration is now open for the fifth annual Ruck It Up at raceroster.com/events/2025/105294/ruck-it-up, at a cost of $23.76 when all taxes and fees are included. The non-profit will also be selling t-shirts and patches in limited quantities before the ruck starts.
Questions can be directed to ruckitupmj@gmail.com, or through the Ruck It Up Facebook page.
Fundraising efforts will include a Penny Parade with donated items from a half-dozen local businesses. Cash is preferred, but the team can also accept e-transfer.
The Ruck It Up team also have a Youth Ruck event, which individual schools and classes sign up for, on Thursday the 29th at 1:30 p.m. (it’s already full). That portion of the event continues to grow, and Hagan said the youth are great to interact with.
“Last year was really good, we had another group of kids come out. One group of Grade 8, Grade 9 to 12s from Mortlach, and then a couple schools from Holy Trinity again — St. Margaret and Sacred Heart, I believe.
“This (year) is going to be the biggest amount of youth that we’ve ever had out there. It’s always encouraging just getting kids out in nature and getting them to move their bodies and learn about what rucking can do for both their physical and mental health.”
The focus for Ruck It Up in 2025 is men’s mental health, because it is culturally more difficult for men to have conversations about the topic.
“Hopefully that will a little bit towards men who might be struggling and having to find ways to talk and open up,” Hagan added.
Beginning ruckers usually try to carry about 10 per cent of their bodyweight in a backpack. More experienced ruckers, emergency services personnel, and especially members of the military will commonly train with 70 lbs/32 kgs or more.
“It’s less impact than running and it will up your heart rate and get your body moving,” Hagan said. “It’s helping with your back fitness, your posture — you’re getting that full-body workout because of the extra weight.”