The RUCK Run Overview

DATE: Saturday, February 22, 2025

TIME: 7:30 a.m. – Cutoff at 3:00 p.m.ish

START: Bethany Church (Co Rd. B)

FINISH: Forest Hills Golf Course

DISTANCE: 13 miles

ELEVATION CHANGE: 1,500 ft

Start at Bethany Church

The Civilians will start from Bethany Church on Co. Rd. B at 7:30 AM and run approximately 13 miles through the snow in Hixon Forest. The finish line will be at Forest Hills Golf Course.

Note: This is the only difference between the Civilian and Cadet races—the finish location.

Transportation to the Start

Transportation to the start line will be available for those who wish to park at the finish. A bus will pick up runners at 6:30 AM from the Forest Hills Golf Course parking lot and shuttle them to the start line on Co. Rd. B.

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. Welcome to winter trail events!

Aid Stations

Aid stations will be very simple. You can expect two stops:

  • Mile 5.5 – Upper Hixon Forest Parking Area

  • Mile 9.5 – Lower Hixon Parking Area

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—our military counterparts are required to carry their own supplies, and you should too!

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
 

A Civilian Challenge Alongside ROTC Cadets

In conjunction with the ROTC’s Northern Warfare Challenge, we’re excited to offer a civilian trail event on the same scenic course!

What Is the Northern Warfare Challenge?

The Northern Warfare Challenge is a signature event of the 3rd Brigade Army ROTC, hosted by ROTC students based in La Crosse. Cadets will face a grueling 16-mile course through the La Crosse Blufflands, while carrying heavy packs and completing a series of physical and mental challenges.

Over 40 teams from across the country are expected to compete!

The Civilian Experience

The civilian event will run in parallel with the ROTC challenge—but without the additional cadet obstacles. Instead, civilian participants will run the course alongside cadets and have the chance to cheer them on as they push their limits in new ways.