The Boot Campaign Redneck Triathlon: Where Patriotism Meets Purpose (And Maybe a Little Chaos)
Look, I'll be honest with you—when I first heard about a "triathlon" involving firearms, fishing poles, and golf clubs instead of swimming, cycling, and running, I thought someone was pulling my leg. But here's the beautiful truth: the Redneck Triathlon at Walsh Ranch isn't trying to be something it's not. And that's exactly what makes it extraordinary.
This isn't your spandex-clad, carb-loading, transition-zone nightmare of a traditional triathlon. This is something better—a celebration of skill, community, and most importantly, our veterans who've given everything for this country.
What Exactly IS This Thing?
Let me paint you a picture of what goes down every year at Walsh Ranch in Aledo, Texas.
The 2025 edition—marking the 13th and final year of this legendary event—happens on Saturday, May 31, 2025. It's presented by Higginbotham Insurance and Financial Services, and every single dollar raised goes directly to the Boot Campaign, supporting veterans and military families who desperately need our help.
The "Swim" - Angling Challenge
Picture this: you're standing at a pond, fishing pole in hand, trying to outwit Texas catfish. Some years they've even had "noodling" pools where you're literally hand-fishing. Equipment's typically provided, so don't stress if your tackle box is gathering dust in the garage.
The "Bike" - Marksmanship Challenge
Now we're talking. Sporting clays, rifle stations, novelty targets that'll make you laugh even when you miss. Safety is absolutely paramount here—range officers, mandatory briefings, the whole nine yards. Wiley X (our eyewear sponsor) makes sure everyone's got proper eye protection, because supporting veterans is great, but keeping both eyes to do it is even better.
The "Run" - Golf Challenge
Think longest drive competitions, closest-to-the-pin contests, maybe some putting challenges. Except the targets? Probably not what you'd see at Augusta National. We're talking Texas-sized creativity here.
But Here's What Really Matters
I've been to a lot of fundraisers. The stuffy galas where you're afraid to touch anything. The 5Ks where everyone's secretly miserable. The charity auctions that feel more like obligations than celebrations.
This? This is different.
The Redneck Triathlon was born from an idea by Chris Kyle—yes, that Chris Kyle—who wanted a pressure-free, fun event where warriors and their supporters could just be together. No stress. No judgment. Just camaraderie, cold Shiner beer, some surprisingly good Frito pies, and live music under the Texas sky.
Fort Worth restaurateur Jon Bonnell, his brother Ric, and musician Dan Roberts have carried that torch for 13 years now. They've created something that raises six figures annually—previous editions have pulled in over $115,000 in a single day—while never losing sight of the "fun" part of fundraiser.
The Wiley X Factor (Literally)
Speaking of partners who get it right, Wiley X is doubling down for this final 2025 edition:
- They're fielding their own Wiley X team in the competition
- Donating 175+ pairs of premium protective eyewear for participants
- Contributing exclusive Wiley X prize packs for the silent auction
When a company that makes tactical eyewear for military and law enforcement professionals decides to go all-in on your event, you know you're doing something meaningful.
What to Actually Expect on May 31, 2025
Logistics you need to know:
- Location: Walsh Ranch, Aledo, Texas (greater Fort Worth area—book your hotel early)
- Format: Teams rotate through the three challenge stations, earning points toward "supreme redneck" status
- Attire: Casual, comfortable, patriotic-themed encouraged. Closed-toe shoes mandatory for the shooting range (this is non-negotiable, folks)
- Weather: Late May in Texas means warm to hot. Hydrate like your life depends on it, because a dehydrated shooter is neither safe nor accurate
What's provided vs. what you bring:
Most equipment—fishing gear, firearms, ammo, golf clubs—is typically provided or available on-site. Confirm specific details when you register, but the organizers make this accessible for everyone, regardless of your personal arsenal.
The vibe:
Picture a county fair meets a military appreciation day meets your buddy's backyard BBQ. There's competition, sure, but there are also awards for categories like "I Suck at Fishing" because the point is participating and supporting the cause, not achieving Olympic-level performance.
Why This Final Year Matters More Than Ever
Here's the thing that hits me right in the chest: this is the 13th and final Redneck Triathlon.
After more than a decade of raising awareness and hundreds of thousands of dollars for veteran support programs—including direct career transition grants for individual veterans—this chapter is closing.
That means May 31, 2025 isn't just another fundraiser. It's a culmination. A celebration of everything this event has accomplished. A final opportunity to say thank you to the veterans who've sacrificed, and to Jon, Ric, Dan, and everyone who's made this possible year after year.
The Real Training You Need
Forget endurance training. Forget tempo runs and brick workouts.
Here's my recommended prep for the Redneck Triathlon:
- Maybe hit the driving range if you want to avoid embarrassing yourself on the golf station
- Practice your casting if you've got a pond nearby
- Consider some range time if firearms aren't your everyday thing (though the station briefings will cover everything)
- Get right with the idea of having fun while supporting something bigger than yourself
That last one? That's the hardest for most people. We're so used to charity events being chores that we forget they can actually be enjoyable.
The Boot Campaign Connection
Let's talk about where your money actually goes.
Boot Campaign isn't some vague "support the troops" organization. They provide tangible, life-changing assistance to veterans and military families:
- Career transition programs helping warriors find purpose after service
- Mental health support for those battling invisible wounds
- Family assistance programs keeping military households together during crisis
- Awareness campaigns that keep veteran issues in the public conversation
When you register for the Redneck Triathlon, when you bid in the silent auction, when you buy that extra raffle ticket—you're funding real help for real people who've worn the uniform.
How to Get Involved
Registration details for 2025 are available through Boot Campaign's official channels. This is structured as an open community fundraiser—no athletic qualifications, no tryouts, no gatekeeping.
Grab some friends. Form a team. Come solo and make new friends. Bring your family to spectate and enjoy the festival atmosphere.
For 2025 specifics, contact:
Cat Purvis, Backbone Mediacat.purvis@backbone.media
+1 970-366-0205
The Bottom Line
The Boot Campaign Redneck Triathlon isn't trying to be Kona. It's not chasing Olympic dreams or world records.
It's something infinitely more valuable: a day where Americans from all walks of life come together to support the warriors who've defended our freedom, while having an absolute blast doing it.
Shooting, fishing, golfing, eating Frito pies, drinking cold beer, listening to live music, and raising obscene amounts of money for veteran programs—all while the Texas sun sets over Walsh Ranch one final time.
If that doesn't sound like the best Saturday you could possibly have on May 31, 2025, I honestly don't know what would.
This is the last one, folks. Don't miss it because you thought you needed to be an athlete. Don't skip it because you've never fired a rifle or caught a fish.
Show up. Support our veterans. Have the time of your life.
That's what Chris Kyle would have wanted. That's what 13 years of this event has proven possible.
See you at Walsh Ranch. 🎯🎣⛳🇺🇸
What is the Redneck Triathlon?
The Redneck Triathlon is a unique charity event held at Walsh Ranch in Aledo, Texas, involving three unconventional challenges: an angling challenge ("swim"), a marksmanship challenge ("bike"), and a golf challenge ("run"). Unlike a traditional triathlon, it focuses on skill, community, and supporting veterans through the Boot Campaign.
Who benefits from the Redneck Triathlon?
The event benefits the Boot Campaign, an organization that provides tangible assistance to veterans and military families, including career transition programs, mental health support, and family assistance programs.
What activities are included in the Redneck Triathlon?
Participants in the Redneck Triathlon rotate through three stations: an angling challenge, a marksmanship challenge, and a golf challenge. Each station offers a fun and unconventional take on traditional triathlon events.
When and where is the 2025 Redneck Triathlon being held?
The 2025 Redneck Triathlon is scheduled for May 31, 2025, and will take place at Walsh Ranch in Aledo, Texas, located in the greater Fort Worth area.
How do I register for the event?
Registration details for the Redneck Triathlon are available through the Boot Campaign's official channels. For specifics regarding the 2025 event, you can contact Cat Purvis from Backbone Media at cat.purvis@backbone.media or +1 970-366-0205.
What should participants expect during the event?
Participants can expect a casual and fun atmosphere with a focus on camaraderie and supporting veterans. Most equipment is provided, and the day includes not only the competition but also live music, food, and a festival-like atmosphere.
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