One Mile Challenge 2026 Results
30 DAYS. 30 MILES. 1 MISSION.
The 5th annual One Mile Challenge is complete. Throughout September, people across the country walked, ran, and rucked one mile a day for 30 days to show our military members, veterans, first responders, and their families that they are never alone. Thank you to everyone who took part.
Read on to see your photos, our final numbers, a note from our CEO, and a look at Carry the Weight Week powered by GORUCK.
OMC 2026 Metrics
Here's what we accomplished together this September: 578 participants (across 35 states + Washington DC) formed 47 teams, made 17,340+ miles matter, and raised $78,658 through 600 donations for guardians and their families.
Top Fundraisers
A huge thank you & congratulations to our top fundraisers, and to everyone who asked their community for support & donations.
Christopher Knapp was the top individual fundraiser with $6,455, and the top team, honoring Detective Christine Donaghy, raised $10,230! We are so grateful for all your efforts in spreading the word & raising funds.
We know it can be challenging to ask people to donate, and we truly appreciate every request and every dollar. These donations go towards our programs for guardians and their families — available at no cost to them:
Another Summit | Outdoor adventures — walking, hiking, backpacking, paddling, and fly fishing
Boots & Paws | Providing dogs for the therapeutic benefits of animal companionship
Dwyer Putnam | Events, information, and resources for Putnam County veterans
Encore | Opportunities to learn, write, play, record, and share music
Homefront | Support & resources for military & first responder families
RISE | Strength & resilience through fitness & wellness
And it’s not just about the donations. By sharing what you’re doing in taking on the challenge — and why — you spread the word about our mission and the reality behind why we walk.
Military, veterans, and first responders are an at-risk population for suicide, and strong social networks are a crucial part of prevention. Our programs are designed to facilitate community & connection, but they only work if people know they exist and are willing to show up. So increasing awareness and decreasing stigma are also crucial for our success in service of our guardians.
We appreciate you helping to make the invisible visible, break down barriers, and keep the momentum going.
Note: If you or someone you know is struggling, call or text 988 for the Lifeline. It’s available 24/7/365 and your conversations are free and confidential. Veterans, dial 988 and press 1 or text 838255 for the Veterans Crisis Line.
A Note from our CEO
Thank you to everyone who walked, ran, rucked, donated, and shared this September.
I’ve been overwhelmed — in the best way — by the showing of support throughout OMC this year. Seeing the photos & videos on social media, watching people take on miles in their own communities, and getting to meet some of you rucking together in New York City was an incredible illustration of what this challenge is really about.
Every mile represents someone choosing to show up for our guardians. Some of you did it for someone you love. Some carried the memory of someone you’ve lost. And some showed up for people you may never meet. That kind of community matters.
Thank you for taking on the challenge with us — and for reminding our guardians that they are never alone.
— Kim Haight, Guardian Revival CEO
Carry the Weight Week
Thank you to GORUCK for helping power this year's challenge and bring Carry the Weight Week to life.
OMC originally started with a simple question: Who do you carry for?
The idea of carrying weight during the daily mile was a way to physically feel something guardians carry every day but rarely talk about: the invisible weight of trauma, service, and stress.
We've since made carrying weight optional, so OMC can be accessible to everyone and anyone to participate in whatever way works best for them. But Carry the Weight Week brings that original idea back into focus.
Because it isn't really about how much weight you carry or how far you go. Like the challenge itself, the point is intention — taking on something that feels a little hard, and using that difficulty as a moment to be mindful and reflect on what our guardians carry every single day.
Your OMC Stories
Thank you to everyone who's already shared photos and stories. We really appreciate seeing you all taking on the challenge from wherever you are, and the visibility helps spread awareness of our mission and show guardians they are never alone.
"5 years ago, I was introduced to Guardian Revival through my employer. Having a spouse who served during peacetime and my son who served during wartime, I was compelled to support the services offered by Guardian Revival. Each year since, I have signed up for this challenge to continue supporting the programs offered. This year I raised the highest amount raised in my 5 years and I hope to double or triple the amount in 2027!" – Lynn
Do you have a story or photo from your month?
Here's how you can share:
Instagram: @guardianrevival
Facebook: @guardianrevival
LinkedIn: Guardian Revival
Upload photos and share some of your story in this form
Thank you for carrying our mission with you this month and for being part of the 2026 One Mile Challenge.
With gratitude,
The Guardian Revival Team
The 5th annual One Mile Challenge is complete. Throughout September, people across the country walked, ran, and rucked one mile a day for 30 days to show our military members, veterans, first responders, and their families that they are never alone. Thank you to everyone who took part.