Strathcona County Emergency Services gathered a team of eight firefighters to take place in a rucksack march to raise donations for veterans.
The event, put on by Wounded Warriors, aims to simulate the struggle of these veterans through a 22-kilometre march while participants carry a 50-pound pack over their shoulders.
The event started around 10 a.m. on Nov. 5. The firefighters started at Rundle Park in Edmonton and did a loop throughout the river valley trails.
Ian Claville, a lieutenant with Strathcona County Emergency Services who participated in the march, said that it was a humbling experience.
"I'll speak for myself in that it was even more challenging than I thought," Claville said "The 22 kilometres wasn't too daunting for me, but the 50 pounds, I think I underestimated how much weight that actually is."
The march through the river valley was full of hills, stairs, and rough terrain.
"It helped me reflect on the journey some people have gone through and how hard that is, and even though this was just a micro experience to that, it was more difficult than I gave it credit for."
Claville said he finished the march just above the four-hour mark. This was his first year participating in the event.
Although the march has ended, you can still donate to Wounded Warriors by visiting their website.