A HISTORIC SPECIAL FORCES RUCKING CHALLENGE

In March of 1906, in one of his final acts as Chief of Staff of the United States Army, Lieutenant General John C. Bates signed into effect General Order No. 44 which dictated, “Throughout the year all companies, troops, and batteries will make at least one practice march each week, which for the infantry shall not be less than 12 miles.” Bates retired from active service in April 1906 having reached the mandatory retirement age of 64. He was the last Army Chief of Staff to have served in the American Civil War.

In subsequent historical documents, there are numerous attempts to decrease the mileage requirements of War Department General Order No. 44, citing that it was essentially too hard and “discouraged enlistments”. Fortunately, for those of us who yearn for a challenge, the 12 mile ruck march remains the standard in Special Forces and in the military on a whole.

Following the footsteps of our infantry ancestors plus our own Special Forces inspiration, here’s a challenge for those of you who seek such things – The GORUCK 12-Miler Star Course, the first rucking series of its kind:

Rucking is the foundation of Special Forces training and the GORUCK Rucking World Championships is the pinnacle of Rucking. You show up with your ruck and you get a lat/long to your next waypoint. You plot your route, then you start rucking: point to point, mile after mile.

For a lot of miles.

• 12+ miles (always be prepared for the unexpected)
• 12 miles in 5 hours or less
• Weight Requirement: Men 30 lb / Women 20 lb
• 3 Divisions: Men, Women, and Teams Open
• Cash Prizes for each Division: 1st = $250, 2nd = $125, 3rd = $75
  • Cash prizes are split amongst team members for the Team Division

Top three finishers in the Men’s Individuals, Women’s Individual’s, and Teams Open division (Men/Men, Woman/Woman, or Co-ed) of the GORUCK Rucking World Championship will earn the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place patches. All others who finish under 11 hours will earn the Rucking World Championship patch, which will never be for sale.

HOW TO QUALIFY

In order to qualify, you must have successfully completed one of the following:

• GORUCK 12 Miler
• GORUCK Tough Event
• Half Marathon
• Any OCR or endurance race that is over 12 miles

HOW IT WORKS

You as an individual or your team of 2 (including you) show up at the Start Point. The route you and/or your team choose will be your own, so choose wisely. The minimum distance possible will be just over 12 Miles. You can expect to see the best sites in Nashville and you can expect at least one long movement taking you to the outskirts, and possibly beyond.

Prior to starting the clock, we’ll ensure that you make a successful comms check with our remote support team. At each waypoint, you’ll link up with a Cadre and receive your next lat/long. Don’t stop or slow down until you cross the actual finish line, remember to be prepared for anything.

RULES

• The course will be at least 12 miles.
• Three divisions: Men’s Individuals, Women’s Individuals, and Team Open.
• Teams are 2 participants. If your teammate drops, you are both disqualified.
• You must use a GORUCK Rucksack, no exceptions.
• Weight Standard: men will have a 30 lb GORUCK Plate and women will have 20 lb GORUCK Plate . Fixed weight required; meaning, no sand in a sandbag or dirt. Required weight must be in a single unit, no mixing or matching weight (one Ruck Plate, not two), and must clearly display the weight on it. The Cadre will ensure that you have your weight at every waypoint.
• Keep your 20 or 30 lb Ruck Plate per participant with you at all times. You may cross load with your team member as desired.
• Purchasing food along your route at any time is authorized.
• NO Support teams for resupply. Cadre and event staff will be observing the route for violations.
• No method of transportation is authorized except rucking.
• Follow any additional instructions or rules from the Cadre.
• Obey all traffic laws (and all the other laws, too) while participating.
• Cut-off time: 12 miles in 5 hours or less.

WHAT TO BRING

Required items:

• Ruck Plate, 30 or 20 lbs
• Rucksack (GORUCK Speed Rucker Recommended)
• Reflective Ruck Bands (or equivalent) on your rucksack
• Headlamp (+ extra set of batteries)
• Smartphone with external battery (at least 1 per team)
• Photo ID and $20 cash (just in case)
• Water (Source Hydration Bladder, 3L Recommended)

Recommended items:

• Nalgene Bottle
• Dry Sack
• Food (lickies and chewies)
• One extra pair of socks

Event Cancellation Policy

• Transfers and refunds are not allowed for this event (NO EXCEPTIONS).