WORCESTER—What began as a pandemic-era workaround to raise funds for families facing childhood cancer has since evolved into one of the region’s most powerful endurance events — and it’s back this week.
The 100-Mile Ruck March, now in its fourth year, kicks off Wednesday, July 17, at Why Me & Sherry’s House in Worcester. Fifty athletes spend four days hiking 25 miles per day, carrying 40-pound packs and camping each night on brewery farms in Spencer, West Brookfield, New Braintree, Hardwick, Barre, Oakham, and Paxton — all to support a local nonprofit that helps families coping with childhood cancer.
Organized by Worcester-based Cinch I.T. and led by veteran and rucker Rick Porter, the march was born during COVID-19 as a way to safely continue supporting Why Me at a time when traditional fundraisers were impossible. The military-style march proved more than just feasible — it became deeply meaningful.
“As a father of three, I can’t imagine a worse nightmare than learning one of my kids is sick,” said Porter in an interview with the Worcester Guardian. “Supporting Why Me & Sherry’s House just made sense. They do incredible work, and they do it without federal funding.”
The march isn’t just a physical feat — though covering 100 miles in four days with a full pack is no small task. Athletes cook their own meals, set up and break down camp, tend to blistered feet, and face intense emotional and physical lows. But the finish line, Porter said, is filled with something else entirely: tears of joy.
“People cry because they’ve trained for six months and finished something they thought might be impossible,” he said. “And because they’ve raised money for families that face the truly impossible every day.”
Each night, the march culminates in a fundraiser party open to the public:
- July 17: Lilac Hedge Farm, Rutland
- July 18: Stone Cow Brewery, Barre
- July 19: Oakholm Brewery, Brookfield
- July 20: Finish line party at Why Me & Sherry’s House, Worcester
One of the most heartwarming additions to the event is the Kid Ruck, held at Seven Saws Brewery in Holden. Young participants set up camp, raise funds, and take part in a four-hour hike of their own, inspired by the grown-ups they’ve watched tackle the full course.
“Watching a child push their limits for a cause like this is unforgettable,” Porter said.
The event has also inspired a documentary, produced each year by Cinch I.T., capturing the highs, lows, and moments of solidarity among ruckers. It’s become a way to not only raise awareness but bring the community together for film premieres and family reunions that spotlight the stories behind Why Me.
Those interested in supporting the march can donate online, cheer from the sidelines, attend one of the nightly parties, or plan to join next year’s ruck.
To learn more or donate, visit the Muck Ruck March or Why Me websites.
Have news, tips, or a story worth telling? Reach Editor Charlene Arsenault at carsenault@theworcesterguardian.org—because good stories (and great scoops) deserve to be shared.
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