EVENT DAY PARKING 

• There is limited paved parking. Once it is full, additional parking is available in the field just past the paved area.
• No cars are allowed on the tarmac area where the event is taking place. 

EVENT DAY SCHEDULE 

• 7:30 AM on-site registration and packet pickup 
• 8:50 AM -- Announcements & National Anthem 
• 9:00 AM -- Start 
• 12:00 noon- Finish 
• 12:20PM -- Placement acknowledgments 

THE COURSE

• East Nashville's Cornelia Fort Airpark 
• 2-mile loop on the airfield and primitive trail. 

WEATHER 

• We will ruck rain or shine.

 

CHECK-IN 

• Located in front of the hanger. 
• Find the table with the sign for the division you have registered. 

 

GEAR (COMPETITIVE MARCHERS)

• If you are registered for the solo or relay ruck teams, you must carry a minimum of the weight of that division (see below). 
• Marchers may wear a vest, backpack, or rucksack.
• Packs, vests, and weights are not provided. Marchers are responsible for bringing their own packs or weighted vests.
• Anyone signed up for the honorary does not need to wear a pack or weight. 
• You may wear any footwear that you like. 

 

EVENT CATEGORIES 

Please note: All divisions are open to all ages and genders

• Competitive Solo Ruck
• Competitive 2-person Relay Team
• Competitive 4+ person Relay Team
• Honorary - No weight, lap card, or awards. All fun! 

 

CATEGORY DIVISIONS  

✯ Light =  20 > lbs ruck or vest

✯ Heavy = 35 > lbs ruck or vest

 

RUCK STAGING AREA – PACK IN, PACK OUT!

Where tailgating meets the ruck march! 

• Located on the airport tarmac. 
• This is the perfect spot to rest, rehydrate, and grab whatever you need before tagging off to your relay partner.
• You're welcome to bring chairs. If you want to bring your popup shade tent, it must be weighed down to a minimum of 20 lbs per leg. We cannot put tents or stakes in the grassy areas per park regulations. 
• We highly recommend keeping water with you for the ruck on the route. 
  • Please note: The main portion of your pack will be ziplocked (this keeps us from having to weigh your pack each lap). Anything you carry with you must be outside the minimum weight and the locked pack. 
• Snacks and drinks will be provided for you in the staging area. 

 

RUCK LAP CARDS & KEEPING IT HONEST 

Please note that the honorary division does not receive lap cards.  If you have already registered within one of the competitive groups, and want to change, we can assist you in changing your registration.

• You have three hours to complete as many laps as possible during the allotted time.
• You will enter and exit the ruck staging area before and after each lap.
• Each team (and solo marcher) will be provided one lap card.
• The Rucker on the course must carry this card with them at all times while on the course.
• If you complete a lap without your or your team's card, that lap will not count.
  • 😳 No card = No lap!
• Teams can ruck together or can participate in relay style. If you choose to participate in relay style, you must remember to hand off your lap card. Again, if you don’t hand off your lap card to your relay partner, their lap will not count.
• If time expires while you are on course, that lap does not count.
• Please also see "How Laps Work" in the section below. 

 

OTHER FAQ

Q. How do the laps work? 

A. As you're finishing up your lap 

• If you are in the honorary division, you will have a fast-pass lane, where you won't need to stop. 
• If you are in one of the competitive divisions, you will need to line up to have your pack checked to ensure you haven't tampered with the zip tie or removed weight. 
• One of the volunteers will weigh your pack or vest and provide you with a stamp on your lap card. 
  • You (or your teammate) can decide whether to rest in the staging area or continue on the course. 
  • When participating in a relay, remember to pass off the lap card to your teammate when you finish your lap. They will then proceed to start the next lap.
  • AGAIN...! 🙄 Without a lap card, there is no punch, meaning the lap won't count. 😩

Q. I'm a civilian; what the heck is a RUCK March?

A. Put simply, it’s a walk, hike, or jog with a pack loaded with weight or gear, much like our military does during training and battle. 

Q. Ummm... What is a time trial relay? It’s a race against the clock.

A. You have 2 hours to complete as many laps as possible. One person from your team is out doing a lap while the other is in transition, waiting for their turn to ruck a lap. You do NOT have to trade off lap for lap. One team member can do multiple laps while the other rests. Your team will only be counted for fully completed laps.

Q. How are laps tracked?

A. We will have a countdown timer running. Each individual and team will be given one check-point punch card. After each team member completes a lap, a volunteer will check that your pack zip tie has not been opened or tampered with. If your pack looks good, you will receive a punch on your lap card and you may continue. If it is found that you have tampered with your pack to make it lighter, the volunteer will take your lap card. You and your team may continue the event, but you will not be eligible for recognition of most laps.

Q. How long is the event?

A. You and your teammate have 3 hours to complete as many laps as possible. Only completed laps count towards your lap count. So, if the two hours expire while you are out completing a lap, that lap won’t count—only the previous laps will count. With that said, everyone is welcome to stop, rest, or leave before time is up. This is your event and your fitness challenge. 

Q. What if I can’t do all three hours? Can I drop out? 

A. Yes, you can stop anytime; however, you will only be counted for the number of laps you and your team completed. If you are dropping out and going home, please let us know. 

Q. What if I have to drop out, but my partner wants to keep going?

A. This can be done, however, each team member must complete at least one lap each.

Q. Can I do the event solo, or must I be part of a relay team? 

A. Individual ruckers are welcome.

Q. I’m slow. Can I still do the event, or will I be out of place?

A. Everyone and every walking/jogging pace is welcome.

Q. Are the teams broken up into age groups or genders?

A. No, everyone is playing on equal ground. Teams can be made up of any gender or age group.

Q. How long is the course?

A. Approximately 2-miles

Q. Can I wear Headphones?

A. Yes, but you must remove them or, at the very least, remove one earbud when coming through the checkpoint.

Q. Can I register for the event on race day?

A. Yes, however, event morning is very busy, so to expedite things and ensure we have ample supplies, we ask people to register online as early as possible.

Q. Can both team members be out on the ruck course simultaneously? 

A. One person must be the designated Rucker - per lap. However, if the other team member wants to make the loop with the designated rucker, they can. Please NOTE: that loop will still ONLY count as one lap for the team.

Q. Can I/we set up our rest area in the start/finish/transition area?

A. You can set up an area inside our designated transition/staging area. 

 

Q. Can I bring my dog with me or out on the course?

A. Yes, but it is up to you to have ample supplies for your dog and pick up after them. 

 

Q. Will the RUCK be canceled if it rains?

A. 😉 Nope! We ruck rain or shine.