War Within Challenge 5K: Honoring Anthony Salem

JUL

26

2026

This event in Akron offers a run, walk, or ruck on a 2-mile loop course to honor a veteran and support those fighting addiction and PTSD. It's a community movement where participation helps fund essential resources for recovery. Choose from distances of 2, 4, or 8 miles.

Sun 26 Jul 2026

Akron, Ohio

Registration

8 miles 4 miles

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Event Overview

The War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem is a community event featuring running, walking, and rucking activities. It takes place on July 26, 2026, at the Tuscarawas Shelter in Firestone Park, Akron, Ohio. The event is described as a movement focused on addiction, PTSD, and recovery support.

Event Details

Participants can choose from several distance and activity options:

2 mile Run, Ruck (1 loop), or Walk (untimed)
4 mile Run, Ruck (2 loops), or Walk (untimed)
8 mile Run, Ruck (4 loops), or Walk (untimed)

All events use a scenic 2-mile course that participants complete in loops to achieve their chosen distance.

Purpose & Beneficiary

The event honors Anthony Salem, an Iraq combat veteran. It aims to raise awareness and funds to support individuals battling addiction, PTSD, and trauma. All proceeds benefit the Running2bWell program, which provides resources such as bicycles for transportation, fitness clothing, running shoes, race entries, and community support.

Participation & Fundraising

A standard registration includes event entry, a participant bib, and an exclusive T-shirt. The event encourages peer-to-peer fundraising with multiple recognition levels based on funds raised. Additional fundraising options include a ruck-weight pledge component. Supporters can also contribute to add a name to an on-site Memorial & Honor Field. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.

8 mi

8 Mile Walk (4 Loops)

8 mi

8 Mile Run, Ruck (4 Loops)

4 mi

4 Mile Walk (2 Loops)

4 mi

4 Mile Run, Ruck (2 Loops)

2 Mile Walk (1 Loop)

2 Mile Run

2 Mile Ruck (1 Loop)