DEADLINE FOR GUARANTEED EVENT SHIRT IS MAY 20th.
AFTER MAY 20th, T-SHIRTS WILL BE BASED ON AVAILABILITY. THANK YOU
Proceeds to benefit local organizations committed to battling military suicide
Ruck. Remember. Defend.
Anthony’s Defender Run/Ruck or Walk is more than a physical challenge—it is a mission of purpose, remembrance, and ACTION.
We ruck to honor Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt, USMC, and every service member who has silently carried the weight of stress, trauma, and isolation while serving our country. Anthony’s life, service, and loss remind us that strength does not mean suffering alone—and that suicide prevention begins with connection, education, and courage.
This event exists because suicide is claiming the lives of our active-duty military and veterans at an alarming rate, and too often the warning signs are missed. Anthony’s Defender Ruck was created to bring those conversations out of the shadows and into the open—where real change happens.
When you participate, you are doing more than showing up:
You are standing in defense of life
You are raising awareness for suicide prevention
You are funding critical training and resources that equip people to recognize the signs, have hard conversations, and intervene when it matters most
You are honoring the fallen and supporting the living
Whether you ruck in person, participate virtually or sponsor, you become part of a community that refuses to stay silent and chooses to lead with action.
We ruck to remember
We ruck to protect those still serving.
We ruck so others know they are never alone.
Thank you for stepping up, shouldering the weight, and defending hope.
The Defender 5K and Ruck Walk is also a celebration of life; the lives that were lived in honor of God, Community, and Country. Participants are welcome to join Anthony's family and friends for a special birthday celebration after completion of the Defender Ruck Walk. There will be music, vendors, giveaways, camaraderie, friendship, love, and, of course, birthday cake. Participants are encouraged to use their own devices (smartwatches, etc.) to track their times.
Jun 06, 2026
Distance — 5K
Type — Running
06:00
$35.00
Jun 06, 2026
Distance — 2.2 Miles
Type — Running
06:00
$30.00
Jun 06, 2026
Distance — 3.1 Miles
Type — Running
06:00
$22.00
These values represent the 3-year monthly averages for June in Saint Petersburg.
Learn more about the host city, Saint Petersburg.
Saint Petersburg sits at the base of the Tampa Bay peninsula in Pinellas County, Florida, and enjoys a more subdued social atmosphere than its larger cousin, Tampa. The city has tried to characterize the downtown as an arts and entertainments destination and you will find no shortage of arts and crafts stores, galleries, and museums along with cafes and boutique food shops all within a couple blocks of the Tampa Bay waterfront. With water on three sides of the city, St. Pete is a superb location for fishing, sailing, and wandering beaches.
Read more launchExplore other exciting events happening in this same region.
location_on St. Petersburg, Florida, US
calendar_today Feb 26, 2026
location_on Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
calendar_today Mar 07, 2026
location_on Saint Petersburg, Florida, US
calendar_today Mar 28, 2026
Hand-picked events we think you’ll love.
Nov 21, 2026
The RUN Manatee 5k series offers THREE adventures to celebrate ONE community. Participants will discover Manatee County…
Read more
Nov 28, 2026
Join us for the annual Turkey Trails 5k/10k! A fun, Thanksgiving-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.The…
Read more
Dec 13, 2026
Join us for the annual Candy Cane Course 5k/12k! A fun, Christmas-themed event that is perfect for the whole family.Th…
Read more
Mar 21, 2027
WE ARE NOW OFFERING AN AQUABIKE DIVISION! Triathlon Information:Join us for the annual Space Coast Triathlon, held in …
Read more