Blackstone Veterans Network Charity Ruck March 2026 — New York City

The Blackstone Veterans Network is the veterans affinity group at Blackstone, the New York investment firm, and its Charity Ruck March is an annual fundraiser for organizations serving veterans and military families. 2026 is the third edition, and the New York City march covers a 6.5-mile route starting at the Naumburg Bandshell in Central Park.

Registration and check-in open at 8:00 am and the ruck steps off at 9:00 am, finishing by 1:30 pm. Carrying weight is optional: the organizers say the average pack weighs about 25 pounds, and plenty of participants carry more, less or none at all. There is no clock and no field — participants can push themselves or walk the route at their own pace. The event goes ahead rain or shine, and the organizers recommend broken-in shoes or boots, layers for the season, and carrying water.

There is no entry fee. The event raises money through optional donations, with 100% of proceeds going to its three charity partners: Stop Soldier Suicide, the Tunnel to Towers Foundation, which has absorbed Children of Fallen Patriots and continues its scholarship program, and Patrol Base Abbate. The 2025 edition drew more than 300 participants across New York, Miami and San Francisco and raised more than $75,000.

A military connection is not required and guests are welcome — the organizers say most participants are colleagues, friends, family members and allies of the Veterans Network. Participation is limited to adults, and every participant signs Blackstone’s waiver as part of registration. Registration is handled by Blackstone on its own event site: participants who do not work at Blackstone choose the “External” registration type, which enrolls them in the New York City march. The exact meeting point inside Central Park is sent to registered participants closer to the date.

There are also about 40 volunteer places for anyone who wants to take part without rucking. Patrol Base Abbate is coordinating those, and asks volunteers to register first and then get in touch at .