THE EPIC VETS 17.7 CHALLENGE

17.7 Miles to Raise Awareness for Veteran Suicide.

17.7. That's the average number of veterans who died by suicide each day in 2024, according to the latest U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs report.

The Epic Vets 17.7 Challenge turns that statistic into a call for connection and action.

By running, rucking, or walking together, we're raising awareness and supporting a community where veterans can find purpose, strength, and connection beyond their military service.

This November, we're challenging you to complete 17.7 miles by running, rucking, or walking anytime between November 1 and November 30.

You choose your pace, your route, and how you track your miles. Whether you complete your miles in one outing or spread them across the month, every step is an opportunity to show up for a cause that matters.

Everyone is welcome. You don't have to be a veteran to participate. Invite your friends, family, coworkers, and running buddies to join you!

DONATION CAMPAIGN

How to Participate

  1. Commit to 17.7 miles. Fill out the participation form found above & run, ruck, or walk your way through November!

  2. Track your miles. Use whatever app or method works for you, and share your progress!

  3. Get out there together. Join a Wednesday group run or Sunday group ruck, or complete your miles on your own. Check our official schedule on Instagram or epicvets.org for details.

  4. Spread the word. Share your progress on social media, tag @epicvetsorg, and include our donation link so others can learn about the mission. We'll reshare participant posts throughout the challenge.

  5. Support the mission. Participation is free. If you're able, consider making a donation to help Epic Vets continue building purpose, strength, and connection through challenges, adventures, and community.

Why It Matters

Life after military service can bring unexpected challenges, including the loss of purpose, connection, and community. Epic Vets brings veterans together through shared challenges and experiences that help rebuild those connections.

This challenge is one way to start conversations, raise awareness, and remind veterans that they don't have to navigate life alone. Every conversation matters. Every connection matters. And every veteran deserves to know they have a community behind them.

Need Support?

If you or a veteran you know is struggling, support is available through the Veterans Crisis Line. You don't have to be enrolled in VA health care to reach out.

The Veterans Crisis Line is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Let's Go Farther Together.

Take on 17.7 miles. Start a conversation. Bring someone along. Help us build a community where veterans feel connected, supported, and never forgotten.

Challenge. Connection. Purpose.

Thank you for being part of the mission.