EVENT OVERVIEW
The Pineywoods RUCK Relay is a 27-mile team challenge from the Upshur County Courthouse in Gilmer to the Gregg County Courthouse in Longview, Texas. Teams of 2–4 will take turns covering 5–7 mile legs, self-navigating a predetermined route with checkpoints and aid along the way. Join us for an unforgettable mission through the Pineywoods—ruck as a team from courthouse to courthouse and earning your place at the finish.
COURSE OVERVIEW
- Surface: Highway shoulders, backroads, sidewalk, dirt/grass sides of roads
- Course Map: Click Here (self-navigated with checkpoints every 5-7 miles)
- Elevation: Flat or Rolling hills, 1700 ft elevation gain for the entire course.
- Location: Starts at The Body Health and Wellness (215 Buffalo St, Gilmer, TX 75644) and finishes at Longview Courthouse.
- Weather: Historic Average 52-78 degrees
LOCATIONS & TIMES
Starting at The Body Health and Wellness - 215 Buffalo St, Gilmer, TX 75644
- Saturday 4AM - Packet Pickup Opens
- 4:45AM - Relay Meeting/Packet Pickup Closes
- 5AM - Relay starts
- 12PM - Cutoff Time (7 hours)
*headlamp required for starting participants*
*road reflective gear required for ALL participants*
RUCK Weight requirements
- If you weigh more than 150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck
- If you weigh less than 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck
Ruck Sack or Vest are allowed.
WHAT YOU GET
EVENT GEAR/AWARDS:
- Pineywoods Ruck Relay Tee
- Pineywoods Ruck Relay Finsher Patch
- 1st, 2nd, 3rd Place team awards
- DFL "Dead Freakin' Last" award for last place team
EVENT EXPERIENCE:
- Aid Station Hydration
- Scenic Course
- Photography
- Friendly & Encouraging Race Event/Volunteers
EVENT LOGISTICS & REQUIREMENTS
This event is self-supported. We provide the route, hydration, and awards/shirts. Navigation, team leg planning, food, and pushing through are all on you. There are 5 legs ranging from 5-7 miles. Teams choose who does what leg. Upon arrival to a checkpoint, you will checkin and swap with your teammate. There are no course markings or road closures. Participants must be aware of traffic and stay on the side of the road.
REQUIREMENTS:
- Participants who start in the dark must wear a headlamp.
- Ruck weight requirements (30 lbs for >150 lbs, 20 lbs for <150 lbs).
- Must wear high-visibility traffic safety gear at all times on public roadways.
- Must stay on left side of road facing traffic.
- Must get on shoulder/side of road when facing oncoming traffic.
- Must have a communication device on person (cell phone, etc.).