CrossFit Adds CHAD1000X to its Benchmark and Hero WOD List as Staple Workout Returns for Veterans Day

Jacksonville Beach, Florida and Boulder, Colorado – (Sept. 6, 2023) GORUCK and Gold Star spouse Sara Wilkinson today announced CrossFit’s support ahead of the fourth-annual CHAD 1000X workout, a global virtual fundraiser honoring Chad Wilkinson, the Navy SEAL who died by suicide in 2018. Since the Hero WOD’s inception in 2020, 10,000-plus people spanning the globe have participated in CHAD1000X to raise awareness for suicide prevention and honor an American hero lost too soon to invisible wounds.

From the age of 13, Chad Wilkinson knew he wanted to be a Navy SEAL. Inspired by a love for his country and the desire to be a part of something larger than himself, Chad was drawn to service. Throughout the entirety of his career, Chad served honorably, deploying 11 times to combat zones around the world. He was approaching his 21st year of active duty when he died by suicide on October 29, 2018, due to the effects of blast wave injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

The goal of this partnership between CrossFit, The Step Up Foundation , and GORUCK is to join in the fight against veteran suicide while emphasizing the importance of mental health for the general public — and the importance of fitness for mental health — as well. 

During his eulogy, Chad’s wife Sara mentioned that he did 1,000 step-ups with a 45-lb. pack on a 20-inch box to train for climbing Mt. Aconcagua, the world’s tallest mountain outside Asia. Dave Castro, General Manager of Sport and Education at CrossFit, and a former Navy SEAL, soon thereafter completed this workout with others within the veteran and CrossFit communities to celebrate Chad’s life and honor his memory.

“Veteran suicide is a widespread epidemic where symptoms, triggers and warnings are often recognized too late, when the enemy sneaks quietly into our homes,” said Sara Wilkinson, Chad’s wife. “Through CHAD1000X, we will continue to tell Chad’s story and raise awareness of this illness, so that other veterans can get the help they need.”

All proceeds from the CHAD1000X fundraiser will go to support Veteran Mental Health Initiatives through The Step Up Foundation which, in conjunction with Sara Wilkinson , will provide financial support to other nonprofits dedicated to Veteran Mental Health initiatives.

Castro has developed a 10-week training program to help anyone prepare for the challenge. This program is free and is available here. Those looking to participate in the 2023 CHAD 1000X are encouraged to register here.

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About GORUCK

Founded in 2008 by former Green Beret, Jason McCarthy , GORUCK is headquartered in Jacksonville Beach, FL, and believes our way of life in America depends on those who serve, and the more we support them, the stronger our foundation as a country will be. We do this through a number of initiatives, including 1% for Those who Serve, as well as Chad 1000X. Under Jason’s leadership, GORUCK builds the toughest rucking gear to equip the rucking revolution and force multiplies through training, Events, and 500+ GORUCK Clubs all over the world that empower real world communities in service to something greater than themselves. Jason serves on the Board of the Green Beret Foundation and is the author of, How Not to Start a Backpack Company. Learn more at www.goruck.com.

About the Step Up Foundation

The Step Up Foundation strives to change the narrative and the number of veteran suicides by dramatically expanding awareness concerning the effects of blast wave injuries, traumatic brain injuries and post traumatic stress.  Through physical challenges and speaking engagements, the Step Up Foundation will raise funds to increase support of programs dedicated to the treatment and research of these injuries, while honoring the sacrifice made by our veterans.

About CrossFit CrossFit, LLC is the owner of the world-famous CrossFit® fitness brand.   In the 20 years since its founding, CrossFit has grown from a garage gym in Santa Cruz, California, into the world's most popular and effective training program for improving health and performance. CrossFit, LLC is the leading provider of accredited, performance-based training courses and certifications and has more than 125,000 credentialed coaches worldwide. The CrossFit program can be scaled to welcome people of all ages and abilities, and millions of people have already experienced CrossFit's transformational benefits in more than 13,000 affiliated gyms across 155 countries. CrossFit, LLC also directs the CrossFit Games, the world’s largest participatory sporting competition, which, in 2023, had over 320,000 participants from over 150 countries who all competed for the title of Fittest on Earth®.