War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem

War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem 

Run • Walk • Ruck 
When: July 26, 2026  8 AM Start
Where: Tuscarawas Shelter at Firestone park in Akron
2620 Harrington Rd
Akron, OH 44319

Fighting the Silent Battle: A 2 mile, 4 mile, or 8 mile for Addiction, PTSD, & Recovery

The 2nd Annual Anthony Salem Challenge is more than a race—it is a movement.
Created in honor of Iraq Combat Veteran Anthony Salem, who tragically lost his battle with addiction and the invisible wounds of war on September 24, 2023, this event stands as a public declaration that no one should have to fight alone.

Every day, veterans and individuals in recovery wage an unseen war—against PTSD, addiction, trauma, and the weight of experiences most will never understand. Too many lose that battle in silence.

This challenge exists to change that.

On race day, participants will run, walk, or ruck a scenic 2 mile course, each step symbolizing the burdens so many carry quietly.
Your participation—and your fundraising—become part of someone’s survival story.

All proceeds power Running2bWell, helping provide:
• Bicycles for transportation
• Fitness clothing
• Running shoes
• Race entries
• Community support and connection

Every dollar fuels hope. Every mile lifts a warrior. Every fundraiser becomes part of the fight.
Join us as we honor Anthony’s legacy, uplift those still fighting, and ensure that no warrior battles alone.
Welcome to The War Within Peer-to-Peer Challenge—where your courage becomes someone’s lifeline.

Peer-to-Peer Challenge Fundraising Levels

War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem Run • Walk • Ruck
Fighting the Silent Battle: Addiction • PTSD • Recovery

The Challenge Entry — $40

“Answer the Call”
This is your basic registration or “sign-up challenge.”
Includes:

• Event entry for Run • Walk • Ruck
• Participant bib
• Exclusive Anthony Salem Challenge T-shirt
• Access to fundraising platform
• The opportunity to dedicate your challenge “In Honor Of” a loved one

1. Battle Buddy Level — $100-499 Raised

“No One Fights Alone”

• Official “Battle Buddy” digital badge
• Exclusive Anthony Salem Challenge T-shirt
• Fundraisers who raise $100 or more will receive a food truck voucher as a thank-you for their impact
• Name included on event website supporters page
• Helps provide fitness clothing or race entries to someone in recovery.

2. Strength in the Struggle Level — $500-999 Raised

“Every Mile Helps a Warrior Fight Another Day”

• All previous rewards
• Salem Challenge wristband
• Supports a pair of running shoes for a veteran or person in recovery.

3. Warrior Shield Level — $1,000- 2499 Raised

“Your Support Becomes Their Shield”

• All previous rewards
• Name listed on event “Honor Field” signage
• Sponsors a full fitness-support package: clothing, shoes, race entries, and community programming.
• Helps fund a bicycle for transportation to work, meetings, and recovery groups.

4. The Salem Hero Level — $2,500 Raised

“Fight the Battle They Can’t Fight Alone”

• All previous levels
• Personalized certificate presented at the event
• Funds nearly all components for the Sponsor a Warrior program. 

Additional Fundraising Components

• Ruck-Weight Fundraiser (Add-On Option)
• Participants can collect pledges tied to their effort:
• $5 per pound rucked
• $1 per minute run
• Great for teams and high-impact fundraisers.

Memorial & Honor Field (Event Day).
Supporters can donate to add a name to the 2026 Honor Field:

• A veteran
• A loved one lost to addiction
• Someone fighting PTSD or rebuilding in recovery

Join fellow runners on July 26, 2026 for the War Within Challenge: Honoring Anthony Salem. It's a fantastic 3.2K, 6.4K, 12.9K featuring a flat and fast course in Akron.