The RUCK Run Overview

DATE: Saturday, February 28, 2026

TIME: 7:30 a.m. – Cutoff at 12:00 p.m.ish

START: Lower Hixon Parking Lot

FINISH: Lower Hixon Parking Lot

DISTANCE: Approx. 3.5 mile and 7 mile Options

ELEVATION GAIN: 3.5 mile=603 ft; 7 mile=1,174 ft

Start at Lower Hixon Trail Head

The Long Race will start from the Lower Hixon Trail Head at 7:30 AM and run approximately 7 miles through the snow in Hixon Forest. The finish line will be at the Lower Hixon Trail Head (Same as start).

The Short Race will start from the Lower Hixon Trail Head at 7:40 AM and run approximately 3.5 miles. The finish line will be at the Lower Hixon Trail Head (Same as start).

Parking at the Start

Parking will be available at the Lower Hixon Parking Lot. It will be first come first served. Overflow parking will be at the Forest Hills Golf Course Parking lot (a short under 1/2 mile jog to the start. 

Trail Conditions & Weather

In the event that trails are unusable due to snow conditions, an alternate route will be provided. However, distance and route are TBD based on weather. In the event of extreme cold, or fear of participant safety the event may be cancelled at Race Director Discretion. Welcome to winter trail events!

Aid Stations

Aid stations will be very simple. You can expect one stops in the 7 mile event:

  • Mile 3.7 – Lower Hixon Parking Area (Same as Start/Finish)

We’ll have water (doing our best to keep it from freezing!) and a few sweet treats. That said, please plan to be as self-sufficient as possible!

Packet Pickup

Packet pickup is day-of only, starting around 6:30 AM at the start line.

Registration

Volunteers Wanted

To bring these fun and unique events to life, we rely on the support of volunteers!

If you—or someone you know—would like to help create an awesome trail experience, please consider volunteering. There are plenty of opportunities to help before, during, and after the event.

Sign up to help
 

Route Maps

Short Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3437549726346842098

Long Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3437530774859752364

Event History

This event was traditionally in conjunction with the ROTC’s Northern Warfare Challenge. However, the ROTC is no longer doing there event, but we encourage people to challenge themselves like those that take on the challenge of service in our military do.

Event Proceeds

In honor of the event’s history all proceeds will go towards supporting local Military and Veteran organizations. 

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