This May, an extraordinary journey is unfolding across America. The Old Glory Ultra Relay, a project by Team Red, White & Blue (Team RWB), is underway. This is a daring, first-of-its-kind mission where twelve courageous U.S. military Veterans will relay a single American flag from San Diego, CA, to Washington, D.C., nonstop, in an effort to set a world record while raising $1 million for Veteran health and wellness.
The ambitious relay, which officially launches May 2nd from the deck of the USS Midway Museum. This journey will cover an astounding 3,000 miles. The run will not be easy, taking place through sun, rain, mountain ranges, and plains, day and night, without ever letting the flag stop moving. Running at a grueling pace of 7-to-8-minute miles, the team aims to arrive in Washington, D.C., by May 17th–19th. In D.C. they’ll finish at the future home of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial on the National Mall.
A Community Mission, Fueled by The Vitamin Shoppe®
In a significant show of support, The Vitamin Shoppe®, a leading specialty retailer of nutritional products, has joined the Old Glory Ultra Relay as a lead sponsor. As a sponsor, they are providing critical fuel for these elite athletes. Partnering with top sports nutrition brands like BodyTech®, JOCKO FUEL, RAW Nutrition, REDCON1, and 1st Phorm, The Vitamin Shoppe is supplying protein powders, hydration mixes, pre-workouts, and recovery essentials to power the runners through every grueling mile.
“As an organization deeply committed to the health and wellness of our communities, The Vitamin Shoppe and our Health Enthusiast teams are honored to support the Old Glory Ultra Relay and the powerful mission of Team RWB,” said Lee Wright, CEO of The Vitamin Shoppe. “We’ll be cheering for these incredible runners along the route, and we’re proud to help fuel their mission with essential nutrition support from our partner brands.”
This year’s sponsorship continues a strong partnership between The Vitamin Shoppe and Team RWB, which has raised over $280,000 since 2020 to support Veteran wellness programs nationwide.
Meet the Heroes Behind the Miles
The twelve runners are a team of decorated members from the Army, Navy, and Marines. From Army Rangers to Green Berets. Each carries a personal story of service, sacrifice, and resilience. Among them is Dr. Mary E. Kreis, a former U.S. Army Major and endurance athlete, who credits The Vitamin Shoppe’s guidance on nutritional supplements as a key to maintaining her strength and stamina.
“I visit The Vitamin Shoppe whenever I have questions about nutrition and supplement options. I always leave with answers and exactly what my body needs,” said Dr. Kreis.
The team’s progress is being tracked live, with a special Flag Tracker available at teamrwb.org/old-glory-ultra-relay, allowing supporters across the country to follow the flag’s inspiring journey across every mile of the American landscape.
Celebrations Along the Way
Fans will have a chance to catch the action in person. The Old Glory Ultra Relay will pass directly by select Vitamin Shoppe locations, where local communities can join celebrations, meet team members, and cheer on the runners:
- May 4th – Tempe, AZ (Tempe Marketplace)
- May 16th – Knoxville, TN (Turkey Creek)*
- May 17th – Charlottesville, VA (Rio Road East)*
*Dates subject to the pace of the relay. Events will take place from 12:00 PM to 3:00 PM local time.
A Call to Action: Support Veteran Wellness
This historic run is about more than endurance; it’s about giving back to those who have given everything. Donations are being collected to fuel Team RWB’s mission to enrich Veteran lives through physical fitness, mental health programs, community building, and a sense of purpose.
Supporters can donate, learn more about each runner, and follow the flag’s cross-country odyssey at teamrwb.org/old-glory-ultra-relay.
Meanwhile, customers shopping at The Vitamin Shoppe can continue to support Team RWB through July 2025 with purchases of Altered Strength pre-workout from BodyTech® Elite, with $1 donated to Team RWB for every unit sold (up to $20,000).
Veterans and active-duty military are also reminded to take advantage of Military Mondays at The Vitamin Shoppe, offering 20% off all in-store purchases with valid military ID.
