Old Glory Run: Honoring Veterans Across America

On May 2nd, 2025, a team of American military veteran runners set out on an extraordinary journey—one that would span an entire continent, push the limits of endurance, and bring awareness to a cause close to millions of hearts. This was not just a run. It was a mission to unite people across the United States—and beyond—around a powerful symbol: the American flag.

The initiative was led by Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the physical and mental well-being of military veterans through fitness, community, and purpose. With over 250,000 members and supporters, and nearly 20,000 events held annually, Team RWB is one of the most active veteran support communities in the world.

This particular effort—called the Old Glory Ultra Relay—was both ambitious and symbolic. A team of 12 runners (plus one alternate) aimed to run over 3,000 miles (nearly 5,000 kilometers) from San Diego, California, on the Pacific coast, all the way to Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States. Every mile was completed while carrying the American flag—referred to as "Old Glory"—as a tribute to military service members past and present. The goal? To raise $1 million USD for veteran programs and awareness around the challenges veterans face after service.

After 16 days of running, day and night, the team crossed the finish line on May 18th, 2025.

Among the runners was Cole DeRosa, a retired U.S. Army Lieutenant Colonel, Infantry Officer, and Army Ranger with nearly 29 years of service. Since retiring in 2024, Cole has continued to lead by example. During the relay, he ran more than 270 miles (over 440 kilometers) at an impressive average pace of 7 minutes and 36 seconds per mile (approximately 4:44/km). He also averaged 16.7 miles (26.9 kilometers) per day, consumed 4,300 calories, and was the only athlete to run in all 11 states the team passed through—a testament to his dedication, strength, and commitment to his fellow veterans.

We caught up with Cole to hear more about what it was like to be part of this monumental achievement—and what carrying the flag across America meant to him.

What inspired you to take part in this 3,000-mile relay, and how does it connect to your own journey as a veteran?

This requires a multipart answer, as there are many reasons why I wanted to be part of the Team RWB OGUR. First, it was an opportunity to support Team RWB’s mission of generating $1,000,000 in donations to continue funding programs and services that improve veterans’ health and wellness. Second, for me—like many of my OGUR teammates—fitness is a lifestyle. I seek out challenges that are physically and mentally demanding, because through these difficult events is where we grow. I knew that OGUR would provide that growth opportunity. Lastly, I wanted to be part of a team with a shared mission and vision—to be part of something bigger than myself, much like serving in my units while on active duty.

What was the most physically or mentally challenging part of the relay for you?

The physically demanding part of this race across the USA was maintaining the ability to run an average of 16–17 miles every day at a very specific pace. For me, that distance would normally be my weekly long run, yet I had to run those miles every day—and often faster than my weekly easy long runs. This required very deliberate prehab and post-run recovery protocols to ensure I was physically available day after day. Another critical element was deliberate nutrition intake to aid recovery and fuel each run.

Can you share a memorable moment or encounter from the journey that really stuck with you?

This is tough, because almost every day brought poignant memories that really fueled my heart and mind. To give these experiences justice, it's best to group them. First, we ran through many small towns where we received exceptional love and support from the local population and law enforcement/fire departments. For instance, Graham, TX; Durant, OK; Knoxville, TN; Nashville, TN; Siloam Springs, AR; and Charlottesville, VA—just to name a few—where the PD and/or FD provided us full honors with escorts through their towns and cities. This happened not only in the early evening but also in the early hours after midnight. Locals lined the streets or stood outside their homes at all hours to show us love and say thank you. It was an incredible feeling and gave us all a boost of energy and deep gratitude.

Another amazing moment was when my teammates from Team RED and I ran through downtown Nashville. We carried the flag across the pedestrian bridge from the football stadium into downtown. The bridge was lined with supporters holding flags, playing music, and cheering us on—it was electric.

How did the relay team support each other through the tough moments on the road?

This race was not only about having very capable veteran athletes—it was about bringing together great teammates. We supported each other in numerous ways. Life in the RV during our 8-hour run shift was what I coined “controlled chaos.” Each runner was either running, recovering, maybe driving, or getting ready to run. At any time, we had to take on additional duties, like navigating and coordinating with other run teams. We helped each other by reminding one another to take off shoes, refuel, and hydrate. We gave each other kudos after tough runs, listened with empathy, and encouraged one another by reminding each other to just keep moving forward—tomorrow would be a better day.

How did you and your teammates manage logistics like sleep, meals, and recovery during the relay?

Every day brought different challenges and required deliberate planning to make the most of our non-running hours. We often spent up to 13 hours in the RV within a 24-hour period, with 8 of those hours running. Before starting our shift, we might drive two hours to the transition point to receive the flag. After running, we often had to drive another two hours forward to our hotel. Before sleeping, we prepared the RV for the next day—refueling, cleaning, and dumping the tanks. At the hotel, we did laundry and ate our largest meal of the day. I often went to bed around 4:30 a.m. and got about 4–5 hours of sleep daily.

We were fortunate to have Rebuilt Meals as our food sponsor, providing high-quality, prepared performance meals. Recovery in the RV was also crucial. After each leg—usually 20–40 minutes of running—we immediately took in fluids and quick-digesting carbs, then put on Hyperice Normatec compression boots. We completed a 15-minute recovery cycle before prepping for the next leg.

Why is raising awareness for veterans' mental health so important to you personally?

Our nation is facing a health and wellness crisis, and—for the first time—veterans are in worse health than the civilian population. While serving in the military, health and wellness were a priority, but many veterans put that on the back burner after leaving service. We know that physical activity helps us connect with community and makes us more resilient during hard times. By prioritizing fitness, we can also improve our mental well-being.

How did participating in this event impact your own mental health or sense of purpose?

It gave me a shared vision and a goal to inspire change—to get people moving again, even just a little more than they did yesterday. We’re not asking them to run across the country, but to be consistent, build momentum, and create long-term change in their health and wellness.

From your perspective, what are the biggest mental health challenges facing veterans today?

Speaking from personal experience, one of the biggest challenges is the stigma of admitting you need help. As a combat arms soldier, it’s hard to admit when you're struggling. But it actually takes more courage to ask for help. Not only does it improve your own well-being, but it also helps those closest to you. When we’re struggling, we often take it out on loved ones.

What message do you hope other veterans take away from your participation in this relay, especially those who may be silently struggling?

Just because we’re no longer serving in uniform doesn’t mean we stop serving. We can still serve our families, communities, and fellow veterans in many ways. In the military, we lived by a high set of values—we were leaders and mentors. Those skills matter in civilian life too. We are capable and valued by many employers. I challenge other veterans to ask for help and seek out support from organizations like the VA and Team RWB. If you haven’t joined Team RWB yet, do it immediately. It costs nothing, there are no obligations, and it provides amazing opportunities to connect and improve your health and wellness through both in-person and virtual events.

The Old Glory Ultra Relay was more than a record-breaking run—it was a global call to recognize the resilience, struggles, and strength of military veterans everywhere. By carrying the American flag over 3,000 miles, Team RWB’s athletes didn’t just honor service—they reignited purpose, connection, and awareness for a cause that transcends borders. Their message is clear: whether you’re in the U.S. or across the world, every step we take together—toward wellness, support, and community—makes a difference. Let this journey inspire you to move, to connect, and to be part of something greater than yourself.