Gritty Soldier Challenge - THE LEGION MARCH
- Date Sat 11th April 2026 - Sun 26th April 2026
- Location Virtual Event
- Price $43.40
- Races 1 race
Event summary
Get ready to take on an exhilarating test of endurance at the Gritty Soldier Challenge - THE LEGION MARCH! This thrilling virtual event runs from April 11th to April 26th, 2026, and invites participants from around the globe to join in the action from the scenic Hope Mills in Cumberland.
The main event features an impressive 18.4 miles (29.6 km) march, inspired by the historical training of Roman Legionaries. Participants must carry a rucksack or weighted vest of 45 lbs (20.5 kg) and complete the challenge within a six-hour time limit. Whether you choose to traverse the great outdoors or hit the treadmill, the spirit of competition and camaraderie will motivate you every step of the way. Finishers will earn unique awards, including a Challenge Coin, a Certificate of Completion, and the coveted title of Gritty Soldier "Legionnaire." Join this modern challenge rooted in ancient tradition and prove your grit and determination!
The main event features an impressive 18.4 miles (29.6 km) march, inspired by the historical training of Roman Legionaries. Participants must carry a rucksack or weighted vest of 45 lbs (20.5 kg) and complete the challenge within a six-hour time limit. Whether you choose to traverse the great outdoors or hit the treadmill, the spirit of competition and camaraderie will motivate you every step of the way. Finishers will earn unique awards, including a Challenge Coin, a Certificate of Completion, and the coveted title of Gritty Soldier "Legionnaire." Join this modern challenge rooted in ancient tradition and prove your grit and determination!
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. THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE!_
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 (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 (11 APRIL - 26 APRIL 2026). Once the first mile begins, their 6-hour clock is active. Challengers may conduct multiple attempts within the event window, but only ONE results submission will be accepted.
Must submit results through the results form no later than 30 APRIL 2026 to be validated. Results will be submitted through the RESULTS FORM (WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON THE EVENT START DATE). 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
PRIZES
There are MANY AWESOME prizes for high-performers! Check the details HERE! [https://runsignup.com/Race/GrittySoldierChallengeSpringEvent/Page/Prizes]
male sign If you have any questions, contact Challenge Staff using the contact form at the bottom of this page!
18.4 MILES, 45LBS, 6 HOURS.
A MODERN CHALLENGE BUILT ON AN ANCIENT STANDARD.
_THIS IS A VIRTUAL EVENT. INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGERS ARE WELCOME. THERE IS NO EXCUSE NOT TO TAKE ON THE CHALLENGE!_
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 (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 (11 APRIL - 26 APRIL 2026). Once the first mile begins, their 6-hour clock is active. Challengers may conduct multiple attempts within the event window, but only ONE results submission will be accepted.
Must submit results through the results form no later than 30 APRIL 2026 to be validated. Results will be submitted through the RESULTS FORM (WILL BE AVAILABLE UPON THE EVENT START DATE). 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
PRIZES
There are MANY AWESOME prizes for high-performers! Check the details HERE! [https://runsignup.com/Race/GrittySoldierChallengeSpringEvent/Page/Prizes]
male sign If you have any questions, contact Challenge Staff using the contact form at the bottom of this page!
Races
-
The Legion March
Incl. $3.40 Fee
$43.40
18.4 miles 45 lbs ruck / weighted vest 6 hours You must complete and submit your results anytime between 11-26 APR 2026. You must submit your results through the event form no later than 30 APR 2026 to be officially verified and eligible for awards/prizes.
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Gritty Soldier Challenge - THE LEGION MARCH
