In the rugged terrain surrounding Lake Tahoe, a group of highly trained veterans is preparing for what may be one of the most grueling endurance events in the country. On August 22, twelve former military professionals, including Navy SEALs, Marines, sailors, and CIA veterans, will begin a 220-mile race across the Sierra Nevada mountains. The effort, called the 20 Mountain 220, is more than a test of physical limits—it’s a mission to raise awareness about veteran suicide and to fund resources that support veterans transitioning to civilian life.

Organized by former Navy SEAL Liam Cogan, the endurance race is designed around the number 22, a figure that holds heartbreaking significance. According to estimates, 22 veterans die by suicide each day in the United States. The race draws attention to this crisis by incorporating that number at every turn: each team will complete ten 22-mile segments, while carrying a 22-pound pack. The symbolism is powerful. As Cogan explains, the weight represents the burden of those lost lives and the emotional load many veterans carry after service.

“We need Americans to know the issues that we face if we’re going to be able to solve them,” Cogan said. The race is structured in teams of four, reinforcing the message that it takes a team to save a veteran’s life. While two team members run, the other two provide critical support—carrying water, food, and medical supplies—before rotating roles. All four will cross the final leg of the race together.

The route begins in north Reno and follows the Tahoe Rim Trail, summiting 20 mountain peaks and accumulating more than 30,000 feet in elevation gain. The physical demands are extreme, but for these veterans, the emotional motivation is just as intense. “We’ve all lost brothers and sisters in the military community,” Cogan shared. The shared goal of preventing veteran suicides unites this team, despite their varied military backgrounds.

The race is also a fundraiser for 3Bravo, a nonprofit Cogan founded after his own difficult transition to civilian life in 2022. After nearly a decade of military service, Cogan struggled to find stability. He joined a company that later folded, worked long days on a farm, and attended college at night. Despite his efforts, he discovered too late that a small administrative oversight—missing one in-person class—had cost him a monthly housing allowance through the GI Bill. “I was floored. No one had informed me,” he said, reflecting on the lack of guidance he received from the VA and other support systems.

Determined to prevent others from facing similar challenges, Cogan leveraged his military experience as a master trainer and mentor to create 3Bravo. The organization offers free resources such as educational guides, mental health support, and benefits navigation. One of its most impactful initiatives is the Veteran Impact Officer program. These officers, all veterans themselves, provide one-on-one support to help others navigate the complexities of post-service life. According to Cogan, they currently help save five veterans each month and guide them through a five-year transition plan.

Training for the 20 Mountain 220 has been intense. Cogan described it as “simple” in theory—just run—but acknowledged the physical preparation needed to avoid injury. His regimen includes daily runs ranging from 4 to 17 miles, weekly hikes with a 60-pound ruck, and regular gym workouts. The goal is to build endurance not just in the lungs, but in the feet, a crucial factor in long-distance mountain running.

The race is scheduled to last five to six days, with support from the SEAL Future Foundation Reno Chapter and the Reno Fire Department. These groups will provide IVs, food, emergency medical care, and other logistical support to ensure racers can focus on their mission. A public celebration will follow the race on August 29 at McP’s Taphouse in South Lake Tahoe. The ticketed fundraiser will include live music, auctions, and testimonials from the racers, offering attendees a chance to connect with the cause on a personal level.

I found this detail striking: the race’s design not only honors those lost but also models the very support system it advocates. The teams, the shared burden, the finish line crossed together—it’s a powerful metaphor for what veterans need after service. Cogan’s story and the mission of 3Bravo highlight how even the most capable individuals can struggle without proper guidance, and how community-driven efforts can make a life-saving difference.

For those interested in learning more about the race, supporting veteran mental health, or attending the fundraiser, details can be found at 3bravo.org/event/20-mountain-220.

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