2026 Pineywood Ruck Relay
The 2026 Pineywood Ruck Relay takes place on April 25, 2026, in Gilmer, Texas, with the finish line located in Longview, Texas. This mixed-terrain relay covers 27 miles through the Pineywoods region, connecting the Upshur County Courthouse area to the Gregg County Courthouse. Participants can expect historic average temperatures ranging from 52°F to 78°F during the event window. Teams of two to four members will self-navigate a predetermined route across highway shoulders, backroads, sidewalks, and dirt or grass road sides, taking turns carrying a weighted ruck through five legs of five to seven miles each.
What is the event format?
The Pineywoods Ruck Relay is a 27-mile team rucking relay traveling from Gilmer, Texas to Longview, Texas. Teams of 2–4 members take turns carrying a weighted ruck across 5 legs, each ranging from 5–7 miles, self-navigating a predetermined route through the Pineywoods region.
What type of terrain does the course cover?
The course is mixed-terrain, including:
- →Highway shoulders
- →Backroads
- →Sidewalks
- →Dirt and grass road sides
What is the total distance and leg breakdown?
- →Total distance: 27 miles
- →Divided into 5 legs
- →Each leg ranges from 5–7 miles
What is the elevation profile of the course?
The course features flat to rolling hills with a total elevation gain of approximately 1,700 feet.
How is navigation handled on the course?
Navigation is self-navigated; no course markings are provided. Participants must follow the predetermined route using the course map.
Where can I find the course map?
The course map is available at CalTopo ↗.
What are the start and finish locations?
- →Start: The Body Health and Wellness — 215 Buffalo St, Gilmer, TX 75644
- →Finish: Longview Courthouse, Longview, TX
Participants must arrange their own return to Gilmer after finishing.
What is the event schedule for race day?
- →4:00 AM — Packet Pickup Opens
- →4:45 AM — Relay Meeting / Packet Pickup Closes
- →5:00 AM — Relay Starts
- →12:00 PM — Cutoff Time (7-hour window)
What are the ruck weight requirements?
Ruck weight is based on bodyweight:
- →Over 150 lbs bodyweight → 30 lb ruck
- →Under 150 lbs bodyweight → 20 lb ruck
Ruck sacks or vests are both allowed.
How does the relay format work?
- →Teams of 2–4 members; only one person per leg at a time
- →At each checkpoint (every 5–7 miles), the active rucker checks in and swaps with a teammate
- →Teams decide among themselves who covers which leg
- →The event is fully self-supported; the event provides hydration and awards, but food, navigation planning, and strategy are entirely on the team
What gear and safety requirements must participants meet?
Failure to meet these requirements results in disqualification:
- →Headlamp required for all participants starting in the dark (5 AM start = dark)
- →High-visibility/reflective traffic safety gear required at ALL times on public roadways
- →Must stay on the left side of the road facing traffic
- →Must move to the shoulder when facing oncoming traffic
- →Communication device (e.g., cell phone) must be on person at all times
What is included with registration?
- →Pineywoods Ruck Relay Tee
- →Finisher Patch
- →1st, 2nd, 3rd place team awards
- →DFL Award ("Dead Freakin' Last") for the last place team
- →Aid station hydration, photography, and volunteer support
What awards are available?
- →1st, 2nd, and 3rd place team awards
- →DFL Award ("Dead Freakin' Last") for the last place team
What are the weather conditions for the event date?
Historic average temperatures for April 25 in Gilmer are 52–78°F.
How are registration fees structured?
Registration price covers the entire team. Team Captain registers first, then invites teammates. Teammates must be logged into UltraSignup before accepting relay invites.