Annual REVS22K race in Elyria brings awareness of veteran suicides

ELYRIA — Hundreds of runners, joggers and walkers of all ages took to the streets of Elyria on a cold, gray Saturday morning for the fifth annual REVS22K, a race to bring awareness to the issue of veteran suicides. REVS22K stands for "Race to End Veterans Suicide." It is a 22-kilometer run, which participants could also divide into halves or participate in at a slower pace, while others added weight to increase their workout or "feel the weight" carried by veterans. Sponsored by the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission, Lorain County Chamber of Commerce, the national nonprofit Dillon's Place,organizers said the event was about showing veterans they are not alone, about starting conversations, recognizing warning signs, connecting veterans and families with resources and "building a community willing to stand beside those who once stood for us." The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimated that in 2023, a total of 6,398 American veterans died by suicide, or more than 17 per day. Before estimates were refined, that number was often quoted as 22 per day, which is where the 22K number comes from. Saturday's participants had the option of a 22K or 11K run through Elyria; a 2.2-mile walk, run or "ruck" — a walk, run or hike with a weighted backpack; and a 22K or 11K ruck.The 2026 REVS22K also featured a modified "½ Murph" challenge, consisting of a 3/4-mile run, 50 pull-ups, 100 push-ups, 150 squats, then another 3/4-mile run. The workout is named for Lt. Michael P. Murphy, a U.S. Navy SEAL who did a version as part of his workout regiment and who was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor after being killed in action in 2005 during the war in Afghanistan. Every registered participant received a T-shirt, patch, medal and post-race food and beverages courtesy of the Foundry Kitchen & Bar in downtown Elyria and AMVETS Post 32. Those who completed the 22K run or ruck also received winter garrison hats and hoodies. Those who have participated in the REVS22K all five years got a special founders patch. Veterans and their loved ones in need of confidential crisis support can dial 988 and select option 1. The line is available 24 hours a day and you don't have to be enrolled in Veterans Affairs benefits or healthcare to connect. Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for more information. For assistance with VA claims, financial assistance, transportation, employment and job resources, call the Lorain County Veterans Service Commission at 440-284-4625 or go online to www.loraincountyveterans.com.Contact Dave O'Brien at dobrien@chroniclet.com. TO GET HELPVeterans and their loved ones in need of confidential crisis support can dial 988 and select option 1. The line is available 24 hours a day and you don't have to be enrolled in Veterans Affairs benefits or healthcare to connect. Visit VeteransCrisisLine.net for more information.