MOOSE JAW — A local fitness group is putting a fresh spin on walking this fall, encouraging residents to get outside, explore their surroundings, and build strength while they’re at it.
Ruck It Up has announced its inaugural “Rucktember” challenge, a month-long event that runs through September and invites participants to ruck — the practice of walking or hiking with a weighted backpack or vest — for 20 minutes each day.
Tyler Simpson, organizer with Ruck It Up, said the idea came after seeing how popular similar challenges have been elsewhere.
“We have talked about adding another event and honestly we got inspiration from another local gym, Lift Health and Wellness. They do a walking challenge in August and we thought it would be great to give people another opportunity to get out and enjoy nature while moving their bodies,” Simpson said.
Participants are encouraged to share photos of their outings in a private Facebook group created for the challenge, soon to be launched through the “Ruck It Up” page on the same platform, adding a social element and a chance to showcase new discoveries.
“So often we live our daily lives looking down,” he noted. “We are looking at computer screens, phone screens — even walking around looking down at the road and not looking at the great world around us. We are challenging people to get out and move their bodies, but also to take a look around at the beauty the world has to offer.”
Weekly prize draws will add to the fun, with Ruck It Up merchandise and items donated by local businesses up for grabs. Entries are earned by posting photos to the dedicated Facebook group.
Beyond prizes, Simpson said he hopes the challenge builds a sense of connection to both community and nature.
“We hope that we can get more people out to enjoy the outdoors while exploring their community and understanding what it has to offer. This challenge can be done by anyone, anywhere, and hopefully people will discover things about their communities that they didn’t know was there,” he said.
Ruck It Up has long supported Journey to Hope Moose Jaw, the local suicide prevention group that is dissolving this fall. While future partnerships are still being planned, Simpson said the organization remains grateful for the collaboration.
“Journey to Hope has been an amazing organization for Moose Jaw and they have been a pleasure to work with over the last five years as our partner in the community,” he said. “Ruck It Up is just starting to plan its 2026 events and we hope to have details released by the end of the year.”
In the meantime, Simpson noted Ruck It Up will be on hand for the final Journey to Hope walk on Sept. 10 for its “Pass the Torch” ceremony in Crescent Park, and is looking forward to a strong community turnout. Journey to Hope will hold its final event Sept. 25 at the Temple Gardens Centre.
For more information about the upcoming Journey to Hope events, visit “Journey to Hope Moose Jaw Inc” on Facebook or email [email protected].
More details about the Rucktember challenge can be found on the “Ruck It Up” Facebook page or by emailing [email protected].
