What is a Ruck March?

As many of you are aware, APK Charities is having a 5K race, aptly named as the “APK 5K” in memory of Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel on November 3, 2018 at the Guilford Fair Grounds. On that same day, we are also holding a Ruck Walk/March. So… the question of the hour is… what is a ruck march? For those of you not in the know, a ruck march is also called a “loaded march” because participants carry rucksacks loaded with weighty materials during this type of walk or march. According to Wikipedia:

“[a] loaded march is a relatively fast march over distance carrying a load. A loaded march is known as a forced foot march in the US Army. Less formally, it is a ruck march in the United States, a tab in British Army slang and a yomp in Royal Marines slang.

The ability to complete loaded marches is a core military skill in many countries. Loaded marches are most important to infantry and special forces. Loaded marching is particularly important in Britain, where all soldiers must complete annual loaded march tests regardless of branch of service.”

So… what does one carry during a ruck march? Please see below:

Ruck March Requirements

  • We highly encourage your ruck or pack to have an Internal or External Frame. NO WEIGHT VESTS.
  • If the individual weighs more than 150 lbs., he/she will carry 20 pounds to include pack weight.
  • If the individual weighs less than 150 lbs., he/she will carry 10 pounds to include pack weight.
  • All rucks will be weighed prior to the start and upon the completion. Pack weight, when weighed, will be without water.
  • Participants are encouraged to use non-perishable goods for weight (Canned Goods, Rice, etc). Food Items will be collected at the finish line and will be donated to the St. George Food Pantry.
  • Please DO NOT use expired food items.
  • Please keep labels on food items and in original state. Duct taping goods together is allowed. (Place cans in bag and then tape to keep from ripping off labels)
  • Participants CANNOT use rocks or logs that can be picked up along the course.

And there you have it. For those of you participating in the APK Ruck Walk/March in memory of Andrew Pedersen-Keel, please be sure to follow these guidelines for a safe ruck march. Looking forward to seeing you in November.

Bob and Helen Pedersen-Keiser
APK Charities Corporation in memory of Capt. Andrew Pedersen-Keel

Thank you to West Point – The US Military Academy’s Flickr photostream for the use of their photo “March Back 2010 004” under CC 2.0. We modified this photo by cropping it into a square to use as our featured image for this blog post.

APK Charities is a non-profit organization raising funds for the APK Direct Assistance Program and APK Endowment Fund in loving memory of Captain Andrew Pedersen-Keel, Special Forces.

Learn more about our organization.

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