Gritty Soldier Challenge - THE LEGION MARCH
- Date Sun 21st June 2026 - Sat 27th June 2026
- Location Virtual Event
- Price $43.40
- Races 1 race
Last chance to enter
Race day is fast approaching
Event summary
Get ready to take on the Gritty Soldier Challenge - THE LEGION MARCH, an exhilarating virtual event taking place from June 21 to June 27, 2026, in Hope Mills, Cumberland! This unique challenge invites participants from around the globe to honor the legendary endurance of Roman legionaries by completing a demanding 18.4 miles (29.6 km) while carrying a weight of 45 lbs (20.5 kg). Participants will have 6 hours to conquer this modern adaptation of an ancient tradition, showcasing both physical strength and mental resilience.
Whether you prefer to tackle the challenge outdoors or on a treadmill, this is your chance to earn exclusive awards, including a Challenge Coin, a Dog Tag, and a Certificate of Completion, all while embracing the spirit of camaraderie. Track your progress, submit your results, and prove your grit to become a recognized Gritty Soldier "Legionnaire." Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow challengers and make history—mark your calendars for the Legion March and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
Whether you prefer to tackle the challenge outdoors or on a treadmill, this is your chance to earn exclusive awards, including a Challenge Coin, a Dog Tag, and a Certificate of Completion, all while embracing the spirit of camaraderie. Track your progress, submit your results, and prove your grit to become a recognized Gritty Soldier "Legionnaire." Don't miss this opportunity to connect with fellow challengers and make history—mark your calendars for the Legion March and prepare for an unforgettable experience!
Organiser's Description
THE LEGION MARCH (ITER LEGIONIS)
18.4 MILES, 45LBS, 6 HOURS.
A MODERN CHALLENGE BUILT ON AN ANCIENT STANDARD.
_THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT. INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGERS ARE WELCOME!_
_*THIS IS A SECOND CHANCE AT THE ORIGINAL LEGION MARCH CHALLENGE. AWARDS PACKAGES WILL INCLUDE THE SAME AWARDS (CHALLENGE COIN, DOG-TAG, CERTIFICATE) FROM THE ORIGINAL EVENT. THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL TOP CHALLENGER PRIZES AND NO LEADERBOARDS._
WHY THE LEGION MARCH?
The Legion March is a Gritty Soldier Challenge inspired by the historical marching requirements of the Roman Legions. Roman legionaries were expected to cover long distances to arrive early to the battlefield. During initial training of a Roman legionary, loaded marches were taught before recruits ever handled a weapon. Recruits were required to complete 20 Roman miles (18.405 modern miles or 29.62 km) within 20.5 kg in five summer hours (approx. 6 modern hours) which was known as "the regular step" or "military pace". They did this while carrying their full kit, weaponry, and armor, weighing about 45 lbs / 20.5 kg.
This Challenge honors the ancient standards of the Roman Legions, with a modern adaptation.
Challengers must complete the full distance of 20 Roman Miles (18.4 modern miles / 29.6 km) with a weighted ruck or vest in on continuous movement within 6 hours to successfully complete this challenge and be deemed a Gritty Soldier "Legionnaire."
CHALLENGE REQUIREMENTS
Distance: 18.4 MODERN MILES / 29.6 km (20 Roman miles) *This can be completed outdoors or on a treadmill, must track GPS or treadmill distance and submit
Carried Weight: 45 LBS / 20.5 KGS WITH A RUCKSACK OR WEIGHTED VEST OR ANY BACKPACK (water and food is included in the measured weight). Must take a photo of ruck weight to be submitted with results!
Time Limit: 6 HOURS. All miles must be completed within a single 6-hour window
Tracking: ONE CONTINUOUS GPS OR TRACKED TREADMILL MOVEMENT showing the full completed distance,
TIMELINE
Challengers must complete the Challenge any time within the event window (21 JUNE - 27 JUNE 2026). Once the first mile begins, the 6-hour clock is active. Challengers may conduct multiple attempts within the event window, but only ONE result submission will be accepted.
Must submit results through the results form no later than 30 JUNE 2026 to be validated. Results will be submitted through the RESULTS FORM. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfucYJf6zN8qvJSbGCblBHiB-zo5abU-5KRC_7vceo3tPdglA/viewform?usp=header]This ensures proper validation. If submitted late, it will not be accepted!
HOW TO SUBMIT RESULTS (VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS):
Reference the VERIFICATION PROCESS [https://runsignup.com/Race/GrittySoldierChallengeSpringEvent/Page/Verification-Criteria] page and make sure you understand all!
AWARDS
CHALLENGERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE LEGION MARCH WILL EARN:
Unique LEGION MARCH Challenge Coin
LEGION MARCH Challenge Dog Tag (to collect along other Challenges)
LEGION MARCH Certificate of Completion
crossed swords GS-Challenge LEGIONARY title
_*ONCE YOU COMMIT, YOU ARE COMMITTED! THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR GS CHALLENGES. _
18.4 MILES, 45LBS, 6 HOURS.
A MODERN CHALLENGE BUILT ON AN ANCIENT STANDARD.
_THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT. INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGERS ARE WELCOME!_
_*THIS IS A SECOND CHANCE AT THE ORIGINAL LEGION MARCH CHALLENGE. AWARDS PACKAGES WILL INCLUDE THE SAME AWARDS (CHALLENGE COIN, DOG-TAG, CERTIFICATE) FROM THE ORIGINAL EVENT. THERE ARE NO ADDITIONAL TOP CHALLENGER PRIZES AND NO LEADERBOARDS._
WHY THE LEGION MARCH?
The Legion March is a Gritty Soldier Challenge inspired by the historical marching requirements of the Roman Legions. Roman legionaries were expected to cover long distances to arrive early to the battlefield. During initial training of a Roman legionary, loaded marches were taught before recruits ever handled a weapon. Recruits were required to complete 20 Roman miles (18.405 modern miles or 29.62 km) within 20.5 kg in five summer hours (approx. 6 modern hours) which was known as "the regular step" or "military pace". They did this while carrying their full kit, weaponry, and armor, weighing about 45 lbs / 20.5 kg.
This Challenge honors the ancient standards of the Roman Legions, with a modern adaptation.
Challengers must complete the full distance of 20 Roman Miles (18.4 modern miles / 29.6 km) with a weighted ruck or vest in on continuous movement within 6 hours to successfully complete this challenge and be deemed a Gritty Soldier "Legionnaire."
CHALLENGE REQUIREMENTS
Distance: 18.4 MODERN MILES / 29.6 km (20 Roman miles) *This can be completed outdoors or on a treadmill, must track GPS or treadmill distance and submit
Carried Weight: 45 LBS / 20.5 KGS WITH A RUCKSACK OR WEIGHTED VEST OR ANY BACKPACK (water and food is included in the measured weight). Must take a photo of ruck weight to be submitted with results!
Time Limit: 6 HOURS. All miles must be completed within a single 6-hour window
Tracking: ONE CONTINUOUS GPS OR TRACKED TREADMILL MOVEMENT showing the full completed distance,
TIMELINE
Challengers must complete the Challenge any time within the event window (21 JUNE - 27 JUNE 2026). Once the first mile begins, the 6-hour clock is active. Challengers may conduct multiple attempts within the event window, but only ONE result submission will be accepted.
Must submit results through the results form no later than 30 JUNE 2026 to be validated. Results will be submitted through the RESULTS FORM. [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfucYJf6zN8qvJSbGCblBHiB-zo5abU-5KRC_7vceo3tPdglA/viewform?usp=header]This ensures proper validation. If submitted late, it will not be accepted!
HOW TO SUBMIT RESULTS (VERIFICATION REQUIREMENTS):
Reference the VERIFICATION PROCESS [https://runsignup.com/Race/GrittySoldierChallengeSpringEvent/Page/Verification-Criteria] page and make sure you understand all!
AWARDS
CHALLENGERS WHO SUCCESSFULLY COMPLETE THE LEGION MARCH WILL EARN:
Unique LEGION MARCH Challenge Coin
LEGION MARCH Challenge Dog Tag (to collect along other Challenges)
LEGION MARCH Certificate of Completion
crossed swords GS-Challenge LEGIONARY title
_*ONCE YOU COMMIT, YOU ARE COMMITTED! THERE ARE NO REFUNDS FOR GS CHALLENGES. _
Races
-
The LEGION MARCH (2nd Chance)
Incl. $3.40 Fee
$43.40
18.4 miles 45 lbs ruck / weighted vest 6 hours You must complete the Challenge anytime between 21-27 June 2026. You must submit your results through the event form no later than 30 June 2026 to be officially verified and eligible for awards. Late submissions WILL NOT be accepted.
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Gritty Soldier Challenge - THE LEGION MARCH
