Vest Up 4 the Fallen

Vest Up 4 the Fallen #SIXFIVE — a 65-mile, non-stop tribute march held over Memorial Day weekend — brings Active Duty military, veterans, first responders and civilians together to honor and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice while raising funds for Give2Those.org. Participants start at the Robert Gould Shaw / 54th Regiment Memorial (Boston Common) on Sunday, May 25, 2025. Registration gathering: 3:30 a.m.; Ceremony: 4:30 a.m.; Step off: 5:00 a.m. The march concludes at the Massachusetts National Cemetery (Connery Ave, Buzzards Bay/Bourne, MA) on Memorial Day (estimated arrival 8:00–9:30 a.m.).

This is NOT a race — it is a team-focused march where participants walk (no running) and often wear a weighted vest to symbolize the burdens carried by the families of the fallen. The event is typically completed without sleep and emphasizes reflection, teamwork and resilience. There will be support vehicles, ten stopping locations for access to gear, and a main check-in vehicle that remains with the team. The route traverses Boston, Quincy, Weymouth, Hingham, Norwell, Hanover, Pembroke, Duxbury, Kingston, Plymouth, Bourne and Buzzards Bay. The team will be marching down RT53 and 3A South through those communities to the Massachusetts National Cemetery.

Registration & fundraising: Standard registration is $65 (one dollar per mile). If you register after May 1 you may not be guaranteed a shirt. Fundraising options are available (raise $150 to have the $65 fee waived). Additional fundraising tiers provide swag (hats, sweatshirts, woobies) and top fundraiser awards. Top Individual Fundraiser must raise $2,500 or more to win a 4ft Soldier Statue. Top Team Fundraiser must raise $5,000 or more combined to win a 4ft Soldier Statue. Teams (relay) may have up to four people; each team must provide a support vehicle and all team members must attend the closing ceremony in Bourne. "Do What You Can Miles" option lets participants do a portion of the route (registration for that is $55) — a support vehicle is required for these participants.

What participants receive: official Vest Up 4 The Fallen T-shirt, fueling/snacks/water, and patching for those who complete the full 65 miles. Only full finishers receive the primary finisher patch. Track your miles via mobile apps or the provided team tracker (Glympse).

Safety & logistics: You are responsible for transport to the start and from the finish. There will be a safety briefing at the start; carry ID, reflective gear and a headlamp, and follow staff directions. Recommended gear includes spare socks, emergency blanket, battery pack and phone cord, warm layers, hand warmers and basic first-aid items (Band-Aid Hydro Seal recommended). If you must tap out, inform event staff and arrange pickup. Respect private property along the route. There will be support vehicles and stopping locations for access to gear; teams should plan logistics accordingly and ensure transportation arrangements for start and finish locations.

Start location: Boston Common — Robert Gould Shaw and the 54th Regiment Memorial. Note: you are responsible for a ride to drop you off at the start and pick you up at the finish.

Get ready to push beyond your limits — this journey is a profound chance to honor, reflect and forge unbreakable bonds. Are you ready to find your "why" and march with us? Join us to honor the fallen, reflect on their sacrifices, and support Give2Those.org.

For questions or information: [email protected]. Official event/charity website: https://give2those.org. Registration page: https://www.runsignup.com/.