In honor of Veteran’s Day (the day of our race on 11/11) and all who have served our nation in the armed services, the Charlotte Marathon is proud to offer a first for a big-city marathon — a half-marathon ruck marching division. This division of the race is presented by F3 Nation and The Iron Project.
What is Rucking? It’s simply carrying a weighted pack on your back. Rucking is the foundation of military training, from infantry grunts to special operations. Dave Redding, co-founder of F3 and former Green Beret said,
“Rucking is movement with a purpose. For some reason, and it’s hard to describe to someone whose never tried it, strapping a rucksack on your back turns a walk into something completely different. When I was in Special Forces I rucked my share of miles, and had the blisters to prove it. When I left the Army I thought I’d never strap a rucksack on my back again, but it wasn’t long before I missed it. I found that I needed the shared experience of hauling that rucksack around to feel purposeful. I found that even though I didn’t have to ruck anymore, I wanted to do it. It’s an elemental movement of life.”
Rucking is a great way to simultaneously build strength and endurance, all while enjoying the fellowship of other ruckers. Jason McCarthy, founder and CEO of GORUCK, explains more in this short clip:
Ruck Division participants will have their rucks weighed at the start line and certified as meeting the 20-pound standard for people under 150 pounds, 30 pounds for those over 150 pounds. They will start in a group 10 minutes in front of the half-marathon runners and will follow the same course; flags and other coupons are encouraged!
Ruck Pacers will lead a group at the infantry-standard 15:00/mile pace for the 13.1 miles of the course. Ruck Division registrants will receive a unique T-shirt and finisher medal . A portion of registration proceeds will be donated to Special Ops Survivors. For recommended training and how to connect with local groups who will help you get ready to ruck, check out these websites:
Ruck question. Can we start and ruck-run (on our own) at the ruck start? Are ruckers req’d to do the 15:00 pace?
D.,
Thanks for reaching out! You certainly can ruck-run on your own as you are not required to stay at the minimum pace.
If we are already registered to run the full can we ruck the first half and still get the extra shirt and medal?
Sam,
Being that these are two separate races with two separate registration fees, you would not be able to receive two shirts and two medals. You are more than welcome to ruck the first half and remove the weight for the second, however you would only receive a time for the full. See you on 11/11!