The War Within Challenge
Information
The War Within Challenge
Run • Walk • Ruck • Remember
Honoring Iraq Combat Veteran Anthony Salem and everyone battling addiction, PTSD, trauma, and mental health struggles.
Every mile supports recovery, hope, and community through Running2bwell .
🏃 Run
🚶 Walk
🎒 Ruck
💚 Change a Life
Why this event matters
The War Within Challenge was created to honor the life and memory of Iraq Combat Veteran Anthony Salem while raising awareness about the invisible battles so many people face every day — addiction, PTSD, depression, anxiety, trauma, and isolation.
Anthony’s story reminds us that some of the hardest battles happen internally. Through this event, we hope to encourage honest conversations about mental health, recovery, and the importance of connection and support.
This event also supports the mission of Running2bwell, a grassroots nonprofit using exercise, accountability, and community to help people improve their mental health and recovery. Every week, Running2bwell connects with individuals in prisons, treatment centers, and community-based exercise groups across Northeast Ohio.
We believe movement can help change lives. Exercise not only improves physical health — it can reduce stress, improve mood, build confidence, create healthier routines, and strengthen social connection.
Whether you choose to run, walk, or ruck, your participation represents resilience, hope, and the decision to keep moving forward.
Together, we are building healthier communities — one mile at a time.
Fundraising With Purpose
Every dollar raised through the War Within Challenge helps Running2bwell build healthier communities through exercise, connection, and accountability.
Your support helps individuals struggling with addiction, mental health challenges, trauma, and isolation develop healthier lifestyles, stronger identities, confidence, resilience, and hope.
Running2bwell serves individuals in prisons, treatment centers, and community-based exercise groups across Northeast Ohio, connecting with approximately 200 people each week.
Funds raised help provide:
- running shoes and workout gear
- race entries and fitness opportunities
- supportive community and accountability
- encouragement for lasting lifestyle change
Every donation helps someone keep moving forward.
Something for everyone!
Events
2 mile Run, Ruck (1 loop)
4 mile Run, Ruck (2 loops)
8 mile Run, Ruck (4 loops)
2 mile Walk (1 loop), untimed
4 mile Walk (2 loops), untimed
8 mile Walk (4 loops), untimed
9 spots left. Registration ends July 26, 2026 at 8:00am EDT
$1,504
Raised of $10,000
Top Fundraisers
Top Individuals (27)
View AllCheyenne Tighe
$1,304.38 raised of $1,000.00
Edward Jankowski
$30.00 raised of $100.00
Todd Canaday
$10.00 raised of $100.00
Elisa Foote
$0.00 raised of $100.00
Support this campaign!
Donate NowWe're currently seeking sponsors
Fundraising Challenge
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
ready for your content.
