Monster March Madness

4TH ANNUAL SGT. ANTHONY MUHLSTADT DEFENDER RUCK

DEADLINE FOR GUARANTEED EVENT SHIRT IS MAY 20th.

AFTER MAY 20th, 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 real change happens.

When you participate, you are doing more than showing up:

You are standing in defense of life

You are raising awareness for suicide prevention

You are funding critical training and resources that equip people to recognize the signs, have hard conversations, and intervene when it matters most

You are honoring the fallen and supporting the living

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:

Create-a-Team (ruck, run, or walk together!)

Referral rewards + new swag rewards when you invite friends to register

Refer 5 people using your unique link and receive up to a $20.00 refund

Refer 10 people using your unique link and choose a Sgt. Anthony Patrick Muhlstadt Foundation t-shirt or a foundation tumbler

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.

Celebrate our country's 250th birthday and join our 4 mile walk/run on July 4th, which includes two waves at 6:15 am and 7:45 am. The event also features ole fashioned holiday standards such as pie eating competitions, ice cream, pizza, popsicles, and fireworks. The walk/run event is capped at 3,000 participants across the two waves

Each participant in the 4-miler will receive a high quality, custom-designed run bib with timing chip and custom race shirt at packet pick-up. All 4-miler finishers receive a St Pete Pier inspired finisher medal. Participants in the 2x4 Challenge receive an additional 2x4 Challenge medal.

Kick off your race season at historic Fort De Soto Park with a 15K, 10K, or 5K – a distance for every runner and walker. As the sun rises, the start is underway! And when you finish then celebrate your effort and the start of Tampa Bay's running season with good food, great craft beer, and awesome music. Florida Road Races, "Where Running and Fun Meet"!

Fort De Soto Park has been named “America’s Top Beach” by TripAdvisor several times over the years citing a “spectacular combination of soft white sand, calm, clear water, and a laid-back atmosphere.”

Live Wildly Team Challenge – Open Water Swim Edition

Saturday, October 24th, 2026

Join us for the 5th Annual Live Wildly Team Challenge, an exhilarating open-water swim event in celebration of World Swim Day! This year, we’re bringing back an innovative and team-focused competition that combines strategy, endurance, and camaraderie in the beautiful waters of Florida.

Presented by Live Wildly, this event supports a vital cause: the protection of the Florida Wildlife Corridor. Stretching from the Panhandle to the Everglades, this 18-million-acre expanse is the ecological and economic heart of Florida. Live Wildly was founded to safeguard this irreplaceable landscape—and by participating, you’re helping preserve the Sunshine State’s natural legacy.

The Challenge: Team Relay (4 Miles Total)

Course: A thrilling ¼-mile loop in open water.

Team Structure: Teams of 3 to 8 swimmers—strategize, collaborate, and push your limits together!

Rules:

Each swimmer completes one loop at a time, tagging the next teammate in rotation.

No consecutive loops by the same swimmer—strategy is key!

No swimmer may exceed 3 total loops—every teammate must contribute.

Order is up to you—pace, endurance, and tactics will determine your success!

This is more than a swim; it’s a test of teamwork, pacing, and perseverance. Whether you’re racing for the podium or simply soaking in the fun, the Live Wildly Team Challenge promises an unforgettable experience.

Solo Endurance Option

Prefer to go it alone? Take on the individual challenge:

Swim the loop, exit the water each time, and run around shoreline flags before diving back in.

Discipline, stamina, and mental toughness will be your greatest allies.

Why Join?

Celebrate World Swim Day in a unique, team-driven format.

Support Florida’s Wildlife Corridor—every splash makes a difference.

Challenge yourself in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.

Make memories with friends, teammates, and fellow water enthusiasts.

Gather your crew, strategize your relay order, and dive into an event like no other. Let’s make waves together!

Register Now and be part of a movement that’s wild at heart.

Join us for a wicked-good time during our 14th Annual Halloween Half marathon, 5K & 10K race at Fort De Soto Park on Halloween. Enjoy the parade of costumes whizzing by at this fun, yet competitive, race not to miss!

Costumes are encouraged, but not required. There will be a costume contest with prizes awarded! Create unique costumes in the spirit of Halloween that will not adversely affect your performance. From the most elaborate, to the simply clever, the costumes add to the festive feel of our Halloween Distance Classic.