The RUCK Run Overview
DATE: Saturday, February 28, 2026
TIME: 7:30 a.m. – Cutoff at 12:00 p.m.ish
START: Forest Hills Golf Course Parking Lot
FINISH: Forest Hills Golf Course Parking Lot
DISTANCE: Approx. 4.7 mile and 9 mile Options
ELEVATION GAIN: 4.7 mile=666 ft; 9 mile=1,359 ft
Start at Lower Hixon Trail Head
The Long Race will start from the Forest Hills Golf Course Parking Lot at 7:30 AM and run approximately 9 miles through the snow in Hixon Forest. The finish line will be at the Forest Hills Golf Course Parking Lot (Same as start).
The Short Race will start from the Forest Hills Golf Course Parking Lot at 7:40 AM and run approximately 4.7 miles. The finish line will be at the Forest Hills Golf Course Parking Lot (Same as start).
Parking at the Start
Parking will be available at the Forest Hills Golf Course 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:
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Mile 4.7 – Forest Hills Golf Course Parking Lot (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.
RegistrationVolunteers 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 helpRoute Maps
Short Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3437549726346842098
*** Updated Short Route d/t Lower Hixon Parking lot closure: https://www.strava.com/routes/3461192128135529624
Long Route: https://www.strava.com/routes/3437530774859752364
*** Updated Long Route d/t Lower Hixon Parking lot closure: https://www.strava.com/routes/3461184501222479498
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.
