The IM ABLE Foundation has announced its newest fall event, Ruck & Roll, set for Sunday, November 2, at Blue Marsh National Recreation Area in Wernersville, Pennsylvania. Designed to promote physical challenge, community connection, and inclusivity, the event will also raise critical funds to support the Foundation’s adaptive recreation programs.
Ruck & Roll is part of the IM ABLE Foundation’s Operation Lead from the Front program, a transformative initiative that empowers veterans with disabilities through fitness, teamwork, and shared experience. The event offers participants a meaningful opportunity to push themselves physically, reconnect with peers, and build lasting camaraderie. While the event is focused on engaging and supporting veterans, it is open to the public, and community members of all abilities are encouraged to participate.
Ruck & Roll offers two endurance-based experiences: rucking, a military-inspired hike with a weighted backpack (participants also have the choice to ruck without weight), and rolling, a competitive handcycle and recumbent event for wheelchair users. The event is open to the public, with free registration for athletes with disabilities and 50% off for veterans using the code SALUTE50.
Rucking participants will take on their choice of three distances: 4.3 miles, 8.6 miles, or 13 miles, depending on their desired challenge level. Competitive divisions include Ranger (40 lbs for participants over 150 lbs), Scout (20 lbs for participants under 150 lbs), and Cadet (10 lbs for youth or new ruckers), or join the Infantry (a social, untimed ruck, with or without weight, for those looking for a fun, beginner-friendly experience).
For the rolling event, wheelchair athletes using handcycles or recumbents will face an off-road course with slight elevation changes and some technical terrain. Battery-assist bikes are permitted. Roll distances include 3.5 miles, 7.0 miles, and 10.5 miles, with staggered start times throughout the morning. Adaptive athletes who need equipment can reserve a loaner handcycle or recumbent bike through the IM ABLE Foundation by contacting Becky Rennix at becky@imablefoundation.org. Equipment is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
In addition to the athletic events, Ruck & Roll will feature a family-friendly Fall-Out Fest, including campfires, s’mores, autumn crafts, a chili cook-off, and access to scenic hiking trails throughout the Blue Marsh National Recreation Area. The event is designed to be more than just a physical challenge, it’s a celebration of inclusion, perseverance, and the power of community.
The event will begin at the State Hill Parking Area of Blue Marsh National Recreation Area (599 Brownsville Rd, Wernersville, PA). Start times vary by event and distance, beginning at 8:00 AM.
As part of Ruck & Roll, the IM ABLE Foundation is launching Operation Supply Drop, an initiative to support local veterans and their families through food security.
Participants and spectators are encouraged to bring non-perishable food items to help stock local food bank shelves. Donations will directly benefit veteran-serving organizations in the region. Contributions can be dropped off at the designated Supply Station at the event—or, for those rucking, integrated directly into their packs as a way to “load with purpose.”
All donors will receive a limited-edition Operation Supply Drop patch, a symbol of gratitude and a badge of honor for giving back to those who’ve served.
All proceeds from Ruck & Roll benefit the IM ABLE Foundation’s mission to remove obstacles for individuals with physical, cognitive, and behavioral challenges through adaptive fitness, equipment grants, and inclusive programming.
To register or volunteer, please visit runsignup.com/RuckRoll.
