FAQ
EVENT DAY PARKING
- The designated parking area is in lot 10.
- You will enter the stadium at Gate C at the top of the stairs/ramp (see map).
It is recommended that you arrive early to avoid delays.
EVENT DAY SCHEDULE
- 4:00-5:45 PM Registration & Packet Pickup.
- 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM RUCK
CHECK-IN
- Gate C
- Find the table with the sign for the division you have registered.
- You will be given your bibs, t-shirt, and lap card (if in one of the competitive divisions).
GEAR (COMPETITIVE MARCHERS)
- If you are registered for the solo or relay ruck teams, you must carry a minimum of 25 pounds.
- Marchers may wear a vest, backpack, or rucksack.
- Packs, vests, and weights are not provided. Marchers are responsible for bringing their own pack or weighted vest.
- Anyone signed up for the honorary does not need to wear a pack or weight.
RUCK STAGING AREA – PACK IN, PACK OUT!
Where tailgating meets the ruck march!
- Located inside the concourse.
- 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 but don't worry about bringing a tent as we'll be inside the stadium.
- We highly recommend keeping water and any necessary nourishment for the ruck with you on the route.
- 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 require our modified course due to physical limitations or if you are pushing a stroller, kindly register under the honorary division. If you have already registered within one of the competitive groups, we can assist you in changing your registration.
- You have two 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 and do not have your card 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.
THE COURSE
- The course includes stadium stairs, a soccer field (pitch), a long ramp, a pathway, and stairs for returning back up to the stadium.
- The 2024 course is coming soon!
WATER STATION
- Water will be provided inside and outside of the stadium.
- Please help us keep the stadium and ground clean. Do NOT throw your bottle down outside of the water station area.
EVENT DIVISIONS
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!
WEATHER
- We will ruck rain or shine.
- If there are storms, we will follow the safety protocols of GEODIS Park.
BATHROOMS
Indoor restrooms are located inside the stadium.
WALL OF GRATITUDE
At the Memories of Honor tent, we will have our Wall of Gratitude, where you can write a note to your hero's family on your Fallen Hero Memorial Bib. These will be placed on the wall and mailed to each family member.
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 get in line to have your pack or vest weighed.
- We suggest removing your vest or pack while in line.
- One of the volunteers will weigh your pack or vest and provide you with a stamp on your lap card.
- If you're doing the solo, you will decide if you're going to rest in the staging area or keep going and 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. No lap card... 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, jog with a pack loaded with gear, much like our military does during training and battle.
Ummm... What is a time trial relay? It’s a race against the clock. 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 team is given one check-point punch card. Each time a time member completes a lap and their pack clears the weight test, the card will be punched, and the next lap can begin. If a team loses its punch card. They may continue the event, but their laps will not count toward the winner.
Q. How long is the event?
A. You and your teammate have 2 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.
Q. What if I can’t do both 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. Yes, but each team member must complete at least one lap each.
Q. Can I do the event solo, or must I be part of a 2-person 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. The lap length is a surprise!!!
Q. Can I wear Headphones?
A. Yes, but you must remove them, or, at the very least, remove one earbud when you are coming through the checkpoint.
Q. Can I register for the event on race day?
A. Yes.
Q. Can both team members be out on the ruck course at the same time?
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. No. The stadium does not allow dogs on the premises or inside the stadium. However, ADA service animals are welcome anywhere. No other animals allowed, no exceptions.
Q. Will the RUCK be canceled if it rains?
A. Nope, we are a go, rain or shine! In the event of storms, we will follow the protocols by GEODIS Park.
