FREE: Veteran Suicide Awareness Ruck Hike

FREE: Veteran Suicide Awareness Ruck Hike
Join us to raise awareness about the high rates of suicide among veterans. It is completely FREE for all participants. Show up in solidarity for our veterans!
We'll have two marked routes to choose from: a 1-mile course or a 5K (3.1 miles) course, which both start at 8:30am. Hikers on either trail can do as many laps as they want and can hike weighted or unweighted. Neither course is ADA accessible, but the 1-mile route is wheel-friendly. Organizations that provide support for veterans and their mental health and well being will be on-hand. Snacks and water will be provided courtesy of our sponsors, H-E-B and Bluebonnet Electric. This event is rain or shine. No pre-registration is required.
When: Saturday, September 20th at 8:30AM. The Lockhart High School AFJROTC will be in attendance to start the event with ceremony, so don't be late!
Where: Meet at Park HQ
Who is invited: Everybody! This hike is open to all members of the public, all ages, and all abilities. Children under the age of 15 must be accompanied by an adult. Rucking is welcome but not required. If you are rucking, please provide your own weighted ruck. If you'd like to weigh down your ruck with non-perishable food items, you can donate those items to the Caldwell County Food Bank at the end of the event (this fabulous organization is particularly interested in receiving non-expired protein items, like peanut butter, canned beans, & canned meat, or canned fruits and veggies).
Prepare: Dress for hiking outdoors. Sturdy shoes and bug repellent are recommended. Bring at least 2 liters of water per person. We will have water stations at the 1-mile, 2-mile, and 2.5-mile markers for refills.
We also encourage you to bring flags or wear memorabilia, if desired.
Check-in: Please come to Park HQ between 7:45am - 8:15am to check-in. Please arrive early, carpool, and park your vehicle at Park HQ or in the day use area. Extra restrooms will be available at the pool house.
Veterans & Active Duty Military: Check out our Parklands Passports, which provide you with free entry to all Texas State Parks. You can bring your documentation and register for your passport in Park HQ at any time.
If ADA assistance is required, please email accessibility@tpwd.texas.gov at least 2 weeks in advance. We will have 4 GRIT chairs available to borrow on a first-come, first-served basis.