4TH ANNUAL SGT. ANTHONY MUHLSTADT DEFENDER RUCK DEADLINE FOR GUARANTEED EVENT SHIRT IS MAY 15th. AFTER MAY 15th, 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 r
Hotels Near This Race
Find accommodation close to the start line in Saint Petersburg, FL. Sorted by distance from the race venue. Book early — race weekend hotels fill fast.
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DEFENDER 5k and 2.2 mile Ruck 2026 — Saint Petersburg, FL
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Race Travel Insurance
Don't forget travel insurance for June 6.
You've trained for months and booked a trip to Saint Petersburg, FL.
A pre-race injury, a delayed flight, or a family emergency can derail the whole thing.
Travel insurance can help cover your race entry fee, hotel, and flights if you can't make it,
and may cover medical costs if something goes wrong on the course. Plans typically only run
5-7% of your total trip cost — and running events are covered under standard plans with no
additional coverage needed.
Trip cancellation up to 100% of prepaid costs
Running events covered under standard plans — no add-ons needed
Trip interruption up to 150% of non-refundable costs
