T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY DeMorris Dean, pointing, gives route instructions to runners and walkers at the inaugural RUCKUS H.E.R.O. RUCK 4 FREEDOM event on Saturday morning at the Iowa Veterans Home.

T-R PHOTO BY MIKE DONAHEY
Jody Wallen of Albion and a RUCKUS H.E.R.O. RUCK 4 FREEDOM runner Marvin Lockett of Kansas City, Kansas talk prior to the event Saturday morning at the Iowa Veterans Home.

Temperatures in the high 80s, thick humidity and a strong wind did not stop approximately 20 runners and walkers participating in the Inaugural RUCKUS H.E.R.O. RUCK 4 FREEDOM 5K on the grounds of the Iowa Veterans Home (IVH) Saturday morning.

“Ruckus H.E.R.O. 4 Freedom is where the community had the opportunity to join with veterans and first responders to do something uncomfortable and to thank the armed forces,” said DeMorris Dean of Marshalltown, event organizer.

A ruck is a heavy-duty and extra-large backpack carried by military personnel in the field. Several of the entrants wore them during the event.

“Based on military tradition, participants had the option to wear a weighted backpack and participate in a 5K (3.1 miles) Ruck Walk,” Dean said. “For those that didn’t want to wear the ruck, one could run or walk the 5K without one.”

Entrants paid $35 to run or walk. Dean said the event’s second purpose was fundraising for several initiatives. A portion of the proceeds will be set aside to allow IVH residents to tour the Fort Des Moines Museum and Education Center in Des Moines.

That museum honors the commitment of African-American officers during World War I who trained there. It was the only training facility for African-American officers in the U.S. In WWII, members of the Women’s Army Auxiliary Corps (WAAC) and Women’s Army Corp (WAC) trained there.

Other event proceeds will be used to support mental health programs for military members and their families through therapy,” Dean said. “Proceeds will also be applied to Outdoor Experience For All – a foundation that provides outdoor adventures for veterans.”

Dean is a U.S. Army Reserve veteran who recently retired after 23 years employment as a Marshall County Sheriff’s Office deputy. He was in good company.

Jasper County deputy Kira Lazenby wore a 25-pound weighted vest and also carried an extra backpack weighing 11 pounds. She had previously worked with Dean in Marshall County before moving to Jasper County and wanted to support him and the event’s charities.

Marvin Lockett, an Army veteran from Kansas City, Kansas, ran to IVH before the event started while carrying a large American flag. Lockett was sweating profusely, but said he was prepared for the main event. He also carried the flag while running the 5K course.

Other central Iowa veterans ran or walked to promote solidarity. One active-duty marine who ran the course in a fast pace was Anna Riley of Urbandale. Alaina Riley of Des Moines accompanied her.

Ruth Peterson of Conrad, who had previously worked as a dispatcher, said she entered to honor first responders. She was joined by her daughter Devan and friend Kaila Stover, also of Conrad.

Devan was wearing a BCLUW track and field t-shirt and said she was in good shape to participate. Stover said she would be participating in track and field at Simpson College in Indianola when the 2025-26 school term begins.

The Ramirez family of Marshalltown was out in full-force to support Jose Ramirez, who was running his first race.

“Jose has been training hard for this event and is a little nervous, but we will be cheering him on,” said his wife Alicia Ramirez.

Alicia and daughter Sofia Ramirez were holding signs in English and Spanish encouraging Jose. Gatorade, protein bars and water were available to the participants during the race. Prizes for the top finishers were awarded and each entrant received a tee-shirt.

Dean said that as of late Thursday afternoon 30 people had registered online. He was pleased with the turnout despite challenging weather conditions. Dean also thanked Jody Wallin of Albion for assisting him with pre-event duties and day-of-race operations.

“RUCKUS H.E.R.O. 4 FREEDOM give all of us the opportunity to do something difficult while giving back to those who have given so much,” Dean said. “I am optimistic we can make this an annual event.”