The Old Glory Ultra Relay, organized by veteran service organization Team Red, White and Blue (Team RWB), has as mission to establish the record for carrying a single American flag on foot from coast to coast and raise $1 million for Team RWB’s programs for veteran health in the process. Since 2020, The Vitamin Shoppe has contributed over $280,000 for Team RWB initiatives and is one of the relay’s lead sponsors.
“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 and the son of a career U.S. Army officer. “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.”
Wright served at the emcee of the kickoff event, held on the flight deck of the USS Midway Museum in San Diego Harbor.
The non-stop run is expected to finish at the future site of the Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Washington, D.C. between May 17 and 19. The pace is set at a 7- to 8-minute mile.
Fueling the mission
To support the Old Glory Ultra Relay, The Vitamin Shoppe teamed up with BodyTech, JOCKO Fuel, RAW Nutrition, RedCon1 and 1st Phorm, which all donated premium performance products ranging from protein powders and hydration mixes to pre-workouts, BCAAs, creatine and multivitamins.
Fueling preferences varied across the runners, a collection of top performers from the different branches of the military who continue to be dedicated to health and wellness off duty.
“I sometimes find it difficult to consume enough protein throughout the day to hit my macros and keep my body functioning happily and healthily,” Lindsay Kasow, a Marine Corps veteran, shared in a statement during training camp. “That’s why I use RAW protein from The Vitamin Shoppe to help recovery quickly!”
Zach Polega, a West Point graduate and former infantry officer who now works to improve warfighter readiness, also endorsed the RAW product line for its convenience and effectiveness and called the balanced carb-to-protein ratio of RedCon1’s MRE Bars a key part of his performance nutrition.
U.S. Army veteran and experienced ultra-distance runner Jason Wood said he will be using 1st Phorm products including Phormula-1 protein and Ignition carb supplements to stay fueled and aid in muscle recovery, Ultra-Formance to stay hydrated, Essential Amino Acids (EAA) to combat fatigue and 1st Phorm Energy for the “mental clarity to push through when it gets tough.”
Along the route
Over the next 15 days, The Vitamin Shoppe is encouraging local communities to support the Old Glory Ultra Relay runners by cheering them on at select store locations along the cross-country route, which spans California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Kentucky, West Virginia and Virginia.
Locations announced include Tempe Marketplace (Tempe, AZ, May 4), Turkey Creek (Knoxville, TN, May 16 subject to pace) and 1650 Rio Rd. East (Charlottesville, VA, May 17 subject to pace). Supporters can track the flag’s progress on the Team RWB website.
As part of its continued support for veterans, The Vitamin Shoppe is also donating $1 to Team RWB for every unit sold of its Altered Strength from BodyTech Elite pre-work out formula through July 2025, up to a maximum contribution of $20,000.
Military Mondays continue year-round at The Vitamin Shoppe and Super Supplements, with 20% off all in-store purchases for veterans and active-duty military.
According to the 2023 Census, there are 15.8 million veterans, representing 6.1% of the total civilian population age 18 and over.
