Mendips Epic Trail Sponsored By GORUCK

What is Rucking?

Rucking (also known as yomping or tabbing) is essentially racing, jogging or walking with a weighted backpack. The sport has its origins in military-style training and is an incredible way to build real-life strength, endurance and functional fitness!

Do I have to be an experienced athlete to enter the Mendips Epic Trail?

No, this event is open to newcomers as well as more seasoned runners! Our Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories are our competitive categories where you'll get the chance to race against others. We also have our just for fun Open Ruck & Open Trail categories where you can focus on your own race and completing the route at your own pace.

What's the difference between the Pro & Open Categories?

Simply, our Pro categories (in both the ruck & trail run) are our competitive categories. So if you fancy racing others, select the Pro categories. Our Open Categories (in both the the ruck & trail run) are just for fun! Also - specifically for the Ruck categories, the weights are also slightly heavier for the Pro Ruck compared to the Open Ruck.

Are there age groups in the Pro Categories?

Yes, the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories will be sub-divided into the following age groups: Open (35 or below), Masters (36-42) and Vets (43+) and you will be able to see where you finished within your age group as well as overall. However, currently, there are only prizes for the top 3 overall men and women in the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories.

Can I use my own ruck (backpack) on the day?

No, you are not permitted to use your own on the day. We will provide you with a GORUCK Rucker 4.0 backpack to use on the day with the correct weight already added.

When will we find out our heat times?

We will send out an athlete pack which will include exact heat times on the week of the event. This pack will also include important information including parking etc. Typically all heats start between 11-11.30am.

What categories are there?

As with all of our events in our Epic Trail Series, there are 4 ways you can take on every distance on offer: The Pro Ruck Category - i.e. take on the route in a race format against others, with the addition of a weighted backpack that we will provide you with on the day (25lbs/11.3kg for men, 15lbs/6.8kg for women). The Pro Trail Category - take on the route of your choice in a race format but with no additional weight. The Open Ruck Category - take on the same route in a just for fun format (i.e. not in a race format) with the addition of a lighter backpack that we will provide you with on the day (15lbs/6.8kg for men, 10lbs/4.5kg for women). The Open Trail Category - i.e. take on the same route just for fun (i.e. not in a race format) & with no additional weight.

What other amenities will there at each event?

A bag drop area, toilets, food and drink vendors and also some extra special fitness apparel & merch!

Will there be a photographer at the events?

Of course - we'll have several throughout the route!

Will there be water stations on the course?

Yes, depending on the distance, there will always be 1-2 water stations at every event.

What will finishers receive?

All finishers will receive a finisher's patch or medal (depending on what you prefer) & some extra special goodies & discounts from our sponsors GORUCK & Vivo Life. There will also be prizes for the top 3 men and women in the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail categories.

Are there prizes for winners?

There will be prizes for the overall top 3 men and women in the Pro Ruck & Pro Trail Categories.

When will we find out the exact route?

This will depend on the event but you will receive the route within your race day pack at the latest a week out from the event.