7700 16th St. N., Saint Petersburg FL
Saturday, June 6th, 2026
For guaranteed event shirt, please note the following:
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:
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.
This year we’ve added a couple fun new options:
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.
For more information, please visit: DEFENDER 5K and Ruck Walk.