Savage Race x GORUCK : Two Ways To Ruck Savage Race!

Here is a question I asked a friend recently, “Do you want to try rucking your next Savage Race with me?”

My friend stared at me blankly with no idea what I just asked him.

I’m willing to bet that 80% or more of you will have no idea what this question means either. Or maybe I’m wrong, and you have already heard the buzz about it in the Savage Syndicate Facebook Group. Either way, until you’ve tried rucking, you really don’t know what you’ve been missing out on. If you already know all about rucking, you might want to skip down to part 2 of this post to hear about the different ways you can ruck a Savage Race.

This is what rucking looks like at Savage Race Ruck Division. (sandbag optional)

Rucking Explained, and Why I Started Doing It (Skip this if you already know what rucking is)

Rucking, quite simply, is walking while wearing a weighted backpack.

I first started rucking in March 2018, almost exactly one year ago. At the time, I weighed 290 pounds, and was too fat to run. I say that I was too fat to run because 1) I couldn’t run very far without having to stop, and 2) I was afraid running would damage my knees, because I was so heavy. Believe me, as the founder of a fitness company that specializes in running events, the fact that I was “too fat to run” is a painful thing to admit.

Around that time I decided that enough was enough. I was tired of being fat. I needed to fix my health and weight problem. I started eating clean, and training harder. Somewhere around that time I was introduced to GORUCK and rucking.

My rucking career started with a GORUCK GR1 rucksack and a 20 pound Ruck Plate. You just stuff the plate in the bag and start walking (rucking) a mile or two every other day, or whenever you can. You can wear your ruck when you’re walking your dog (ruck your dog) or when you’re going out to get your mail. It’s as easy as that to get started, and I sort of fell in love with how easily it fit into my life. In the beginning, that 20 pound plate felt a bit heavy on my back, and I felt muscle soreness in my shoulders and upper back muscles in places that I had never felt before. Before long, the 20 pound plate sort of felt like nothing, and I started adding more weight.

Fast forward one year of clean eating, rucking, Savage Racing, and weightlifting, and I’m 40 pounds lighter and happier. Oh yeah, and I’m still rucking, except now I’m using a 40 pound weight on most of my rucks. (Pro hack: after you lose 40 pounds, rucking with a 40 pound plate feels like normal walking.)

Ruck Division: The ruck goes under the barbed wire too.

Rucking at Savage Race – There are two ways to do it.

Rucking Option 1 – Savage Race Rucking Division (This is the fun option)
The Savage Race Ruck Division is probably what I would recommend for most people. In a nutshell, this option is the same thing as running a Savage Race event, except that you are rucking it. The Ruck Division is available at all Saturday Savage Race events in 2019 and has its own dedicated 9:30am start time. To join the Rucking division, register for Savage Race on our website just like you would if you were going to run the event, and gather at the start line prior to the 9:30am start time. Ruck Division is meant to be a fun way to ruck the race course at Savage Race. There are no strict rules, like mandatory minimum weight. You get to decide how much weight to wear (I did 30#). We took the rucks off for obstacles when we felt like it made sense. Everyone starts at 9:30am so that all of the ruckers can join up and experience the fun together. I rucked the Savage Blitz Gainesville event this year with some friends, including a few guys from GORUCK HQ, and had a blast. GORUCK Founder and CEO Jason McCarthy wrote about our wonderful experience in this blog post.

The Ruck division may be best for those who are new to rucking, are looking for a fun, laid back teamwork experience, or who want to try rucking, but have no interest in staying up all night at at a Savage Race GORUCK Tough event.

What I recommend for Ruck Division:

• 20L Rucker Rucksack or GR1 (26L GR1 is pictured below)
•  30 pound Ruck Plate (If this is your first time rucking, start a little lighter)
• Hydration Bladder with retainer clip. This is optional for Ruck Division. We do have hydration stations on the course, so I would probably only bring the hydration bladder on a particularly hot day.
• Savage Race T-shirt
• I’m a big fan of the Challenge Shorts, or the Simple Shorts for events. Jason swears that the Challenge Pants or Simple Pants are the way to go. I don’t mind sacrificing the skin on my knees a little bit so that I can feel the cool breeze. This is a matter of personal preference. The material these pants are made of dries very quickly, and they are great for events. I ruck in these shorts, but I also frequently go to the gym in them, go to the office in them, etc. They are great for events and for every day wearing around.
• GORUCK MACV-1 Jungle Rucking Boots

Rucking Option 2 – Savage Race GORUCK Tough (This is the HARD option)
The Savage Race GORUCK Tough events are no joke. I completed two of them in 2018, and they were the most demanding physical challenges I’ve ever faced. If you are interested in pushing yourself in new ways and doing what you never thought possible, this might be your event.

The Savage Race GORUCK Tough events are 10-12 hour, 15-20 mile rucks led by a Special Forces Cadre (i.e. a real life, bad-ass soldier). The event starts at midnight on the Friday night before Savage Race, and wraps up on Saturday morning before lunch time. There is a minimum weight requirement, and a list of equipment that you must bring. I pity the fool who has to fess up to their Cadre that they forgot something on the equipment list.

This description of the Tough challenge comes directly from GORUCK.com:

We challenge you to put your team before yourself. We teach you how to lead, how to follow, and how to overcome adversity together. And you get to keep these lessons with you for the rest of your life. This is the original GORUCK Event, the one where we prove to you that you are capable of so much more than you ever thought possible when you work as a team. Earn the GORUCK Tough patch and you’ll find out that it’s a way of life and a community with some of the best people you could ever hope to meet.

During the Savage Race GORUCK Tough, you get to experience the Savage Race obstacles, but you also will be put through an undisclosed physical gauntlet of activity, courtesy of your Special Forces Cadre.

In my experience, each event was different. At one of my events, among other activities, we got to carry an 800 pound log (as a team) for seven hours. A few people in our group couldn’t handle it and quit. Those of us who completed that event agree that it was one of the most rewarding experiences we have ever had, packed with life lessons we will not soon forget. These events aren’t for everyone, that’s for sure, but if you finish one, it will be an accomplishment that you can be very proud of.

Oh yeah, and when you finish the Savage Race GORUCK Tough, you earn this patch.

What I recommend for Savage Race GORUCK Tough:

• Everything I suggested above for Ruck Division, PLUS
• A rucksack aka backpack (GR1 or Rucker recommended)
• Hydration Bladder: Source 3L recommended
• Nalgene bottle (1L) or equivalent (electrolytes recommended)
• Reflective Ruck Bands (or equivalent) on your ruck
• Headlamp with extra batteries
• Windbreaker (only if temperature is expected before 60 degrees F)
• Photo ID and $20 cash just in case
• As a class, you need one (1) 25 lb. class weight and one American Flag. Use your event’s Facebook page to meet your class, organize training, and coordinate team weight details.
• Flip-flops (not required) – upon completion of a GORUCK Tough, it’s one of the seven great feelings in the world to take your shoes and socks off and put flip flops on. It also makes the hell-yeah-I-earned-my-patch beer taste even better.
• Check the event page for your specific GORUCK Tough event to view the complete recommended and required gear list

There are only two ways to get this patch: 1) Complete a Savage Race GORUCK Tough, or 2) Rob a GORUCK Cadre. Neither option is particularly easy.

Savage Race Georgia GORUCK Tough – Still smiling, 8 hours into the event.

Oh yeah… And at the end, there is always a beer or three…

Beer. The official recovery drink of GORUCK and Savage Race. (Erik + his boy, Sam, Jason, Andy)

Affiliate disclosure: This post includes affiliate links to GORUCK.com. GORUCK makes great, high-end gear that will stand up to Savage Race and GORUCK events. If you buy products from their website after clicking one of the affiliate links, Savage Race will receive a small percentage of the sale. Thank you for supporting GORUCK and Savage Race!

New Obstacle! “Chopsticks”

Last weekend we had our first event of 2019 in Alachua, Florida, where we revealed three new obstacles: Piece of Queso, Chopsticks, and Inversion Therapy. I did the race twice (one lap with 30# ruck+ 60# team sandbag, and one regular running lap) and was able to successfully complete Piece of Queso and Chopsticks during the event, but Inversion Therapy got my number. Inversion will be a good one for me to train towards for future events.

Lee and I shot this Facebook live video to explain Chopsticks, and show you some tips on how to complete the obstacle.

Introducing “Chopsticks” & obstacle tips from Sam and Lee

New Obstacle! “Piece of Queso”

2019 event season is here, so that means brand new obstacles! Here is obstacle release number one for the year, Piece of Queso! Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Introducing “Piece of Queso” & pro tips from Lee

2019 Finisher Shirts Are Here

Last week we showed you the 2019 finisher, syndicate, and PRO medals. This week, it’s tee-shirt time! We hope you love these super soft finisher shirts for Savage Race and Savage Blitz as much as we do.

If you haven’t taken advantage already, sign up for your 2019 events buy one, get one half off, using code CUPID. This offer expires 2/14 11:59 PM.

2019 Savage Race Finisher Tee

2019 Savage Blitz Finisher Tee

Sawtooth Training Tips by Chris Marhefka (B3 Gym)

Last week I dropped into B3 Gym in Gainesville, Florida to meet with owner and head trainer Chris Marhefka to get some training tips for completing my personal arch-nemesis obstacle, Sawtooth.

In the video, Chris shows me how I can use pull ups, dead hangs, one handed hangs, fat grip progressions, and other training techniques to conquer Sawtooth and other upper body strength oriented obstacles.

Oh! And I should mention that I hit a dead hang PR in this video (1:21). Haha!

Chris Marhefka is the founder of B3 Gym in Gainesville, FL and co-founder of Eat the 80, a healthy meal delivery service in Florida. He has worked with more than 2,000 clients and has 10+ years experience as a personal trainer, CrossFit instructor, and nutrition and lifestyle coach. He holds a Certified Personal Trainer certification from the American College of Sports Medicine and is a CrossFit L1 and L2 certificate holder.

I Will Conquer Sawtooth in 2019.

One of my deepest secrets is that I can’t complete Sawtooth. That’s right, the founder of Savage Race can’t complete one of his own trademark obstacles. I’ve had eight years to do it, and every time I try, I end up falling in the drink.

A few months ago, I decided that 2019 would be the year that this would change. I know that conquering Sawtooth will require hard work and dedication. The two biggest factors keeping me from successfully completing Sawtooth are 1) I am overweight, and 2) my upper body is not strong enough. Both of these issues will need to be addressed to enable me to accomplish my goal of defeating Sawtooth.

Being overweight makes obstacle course racing a lot harder. The way I think about it is that for every extra 10 pounds of fat on my body, I might as well be wearing a weighted backpack filled with 10 pound plates. To address this issue, I’ve been eating clean for the past few months. I follow a Paleo-ish diet, and I’ve experimented with intermittent fasting and ketosis too. I’ve found that if I limit my carbs to 50-100 grams per day, I can steadily lose weight, and it really doesn’t require a lot of effort or will power. Another tactic that works well for me is to challenge my friends to weight loss and fitness challenges. Savage Co-founder Lloyd Parker and I both lost about 30 pounds in three months participating in one of these challenges. So I’m down 30 pounds, and have about 15 to go. I think I’m on track in the weight loss department.

To address the strength issue, I’ve been hitting the gym to get stronger. I have a great garage gym at my house that makes it easy for me to get the work in. Even more important, is good programming, so I hired a remote coach, Sean McGovern to create an individualized training plan for me and to hold me accountable. Following Sean’s plan, which is specifically tailored to help me reach my goals, I’ve been breaking PRs in the gym that I haven’t come close to in eight years. So I think that I’m on track in the strength department, too. If you think that having a remote coach could be a good fit for you, I highly recommend you contact Sean.

New Savage Bling for 2019!

Ahhh yeah… A new year = a new set of medals. In this video, I show off all the new goods.

My favorite is the HUGE new Savage Syndicate medal, featuring spinning action and a lovely mirror finish. As usual, you will get a lap pin for every paid lap you ran to earn your Syndicate honors. This year we made separate Savage Race and Savage Blitz pins, to distinguish which type of laps you ran. These pins are larger and nicer than any we’ve had in the past, and will replace the state pins that we have given out in the past. To learn how to earn the Savage Syndicate medal, follow this link.

For those of you SavagePRO and BlitzPRO athletes out there, you gotta check out the new PRO award medals. These are what you will earn if you win age group or top team honors. Instead of the standard round medal design we’ve given out in prior years, the latest PRO award medals are Savage Axe replicas, complete with a custom SavagePRO/BlitzPRO lanyard.

Of course, we also have some great new medals for the standard Savage Race and Savage Blitz finishers!

I don’t know about you guys, but I’m completely fired up for the 2019 season. I’ve been training hard to have my best year of health and performance, so you can bet that I’ll be earning my medals this year right along with you.

Much Savage love,

Sam Abbitt
President
Savage Race HQ

SavagePRO and BlitzPRO award axes, Savage Syndicate medal and pins, Savage Race finisher medal, Savage Blitz finisher medal (left to right)

How We’re Always Striving to Improve Savage Race Based on YOUR Feedback

Hey Savages! Today we’d like to give you an inside look at how we’re committed to continually improving your experience at Savage Race.

You already know we have the best obstacles, and that our race is the perfect distance. But did you know that we have an internal focus on always making Savage Race better?

We work hard to connect with you, our growing Savage community, and then put on an amazing event that you just can’t stop talking about. Then, we review a number of metrics to measure the success of each event. We consider what worked well and what we could do better next time. After that we make adjustments (sometimes big ones!) and repeat the process.

The end result is a better Savage experience each time you come out to one of our events, and we’re darned proud of that.

Read More…

Support Hurricane Relief Efforts by Purchasing Your Limited Edition Savage Race T-Shirt

Savage Race isn’t just about getting muddy and conquering obstacles. We’re not just about accomplishing goals and overcoming fears. And we’re not just about fun and fitness and making memories of a lifetime.

No, Savage Race is about so much more than that.

What makes Savage Race so great is YOU and your support of one another before, during, and after the race.

Savage Race is about community.

Read More…

Inside the Obstacle: Hangarang

Inside the Obstacle: Twin Peaks

Inside the Obstacle: Savage Rig

Who Is Matty T? “A Gluten Free, Beverly Hills Ninja”

We’ve all asked ourselves at one time or another, “who is Matty T?” I did it yesterday actually.I mean sure, we all know Matty T, the fuzzy faced, hoody rocking, backwards hat guy who always wants us to “get Savage”, and looks badass in a lab coat. But do we truly know ……… Matty T? …. You will. I dug deep on this one and left no stone unturned. It’s due time to shine the spotlight on this gentle giant and learn all his secrets. So without further ado… Let’s get Savage.

Read More…

Inside the Obstacle: Tree Hugger

Inside the Obstacle: On the Fence

Check our newest installation of Inside the Obstacle!

What to Wear to Your Next Mud Run

Deciding what to wear to your next mud run or obstacle course race can make make a big difference in how you feel on race day. Wearing the wrong clothes or shoes can cause serious discomfort and chafing. This can ruin your race experience, so use the following information to plan ahead and choose wisely!

Read More…

Savage Race Presents “Inside the Obstacle: Sawtooth”

Matty T the Race Emcee is back again with an insider look at our all-upper-body obstacle, Sawtooth. Check it out…

Top 20 Sweetest Savage Photos of All Time

It’s almost Valentine’s Day, and mud is in the air at Savage Race. Check out these top 20 sweetest Savage photos of all time!

Read More…

Luis Santana Beats Cancer and Trains Savage

Just before his 16^th birthday, Luis Santana was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer in his left leg. His dreams of getting a wrestling scholarship to Ohio State were put on hold as he spent the next seven years wrestling cancer instead.

It came back three times, advancing further and further up his leg each time. At 19 years old he was told that amputation was the only option to save his life. But his doctor didn’t give up and they tried a new form of radiation therapy. At 23, his prayers were answered and he was completely cancer free.

“I fought depression, anger, and spent many months alone not wanting to be close to anyone fearing I could die at any moment,” remembers Luis. “Without my faith in God and my family to support me, I wouldn’t be alive today.”

Read More…

Savage Race Presents “Inside the Obstacle: Colossus”

Matty T the Race Emcee spent some time showing us a behind-the-scenes look at Savage Race’s biggest obstacle, Colossus. Check it out…

Florida Savages: Things to Do in Pasco County, FL

Florida Savages, check out some awesome things to do while you’re in Pasco County! Some of the many activities include boating and fishing, golfing, hot air balloon rides, zip lining, and skydiving.

Read More…

Savage Race Presents “Inside the Obstacle: Wheel World”

We recently went behind the scenes with Matty T the Race Emcee to get pro tips and an insider look at Savage Race’s newest obstacle, Wheel World. Check it out…

Win a VIP Experience Package to Savage Race!

Savage Race and NuAquos Sports Drink are giving away two VIP packages with free race entries, merchandise, parking, food & beverage, exclusive behind-the-scenes access, and more!

Enter To Win Here

Winners will be announced on Instagram on March 1st.

NuAquos is a functional beverage that rehydrates with all 6 base electrolytes, promotes recovery with 12 grams of protein, and restores nutrients with 19 vitamins and minerals – all with unparalleled taste.

Official SavagePRO Rules & Obstacle Guidelines

(updated May 17, 2021)

POST-COVID RULE UPDATES

Here are some important updates for the Savage Race PRO heat that affect you, if you are signed up for Savage Race Illinois.

• Pro waves with approximately 25 runners will leave the start corral every 5 minutes, starting at 8am (7:30am for Florida events) for males and 8:05am (7:35am for Florida events) for females.
• You must start in the 8am (7:30am for Florida events) wave for males and 8:05am (7:35am for Florida events) for females in order to win first, second, or third place overall (male and female).
• Besides top overall finishers, your finish time and placement will be determined by chip time. We will do our best to group age groups together, but in some cases this might be not possible. It’s possible that someone who starts after you and finishes after you could have a better race time, and beat you.
• There will be no award ceremony. Once the race results have been finalized, overall and age group awards can be picked up at the Syndicate tent. You must pick up your award at the event; they will not be mailed post-race.
• The cut-off time for award eligibility has been reduced to 2 hours from 3 hour.
• All other standard pro rules in the “General Rules” section below apply to this event.

GENERAL RULES

Overall – Athletes must complete all obstacles as specified in the SavagePRO Rules in order to be eligible for cash prizes, which are awarded to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female athletes competing in the SavagePRO heat.

Read More…

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Battering Bird

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Battering Bird

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Anchors Aweigh

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Anchors Aweigh

Behind-the-Scenes with Mac Stone

Mac Stone, the official photographer of Savage Race, is a member of the behind-the-scenes crew contributing to the awesome experience that is Savage Race.  Mac is a nationally recognized, award-winning conservation photographer from Gainesville, Florida, and first cousin of Sam Abbitt, CEO and co-founder of Savage Race.

Mac has been involved with Savage Race since before the first event in 2011. He helped with the development of the first Savage Race website by photographing a pre-event promotion of proposed obstacles years ago.

Mac developed his photography skills by hiking through the woods and wetlands of north central Florida, capturing images of alligators, snakes, cypress trees, and all types of wildlife in the area. During high school, Mac’s mother often had to call the school to explain Mac’s tardiness when he had gone on an early morning nature shoot.

Mac matured his youthful hobby into an exciting, and illustrious career as an environmental/nature photographer.  Mac spent years capturing the beauty and challenges of the Florida Everglades and his book “Everglades: America’s Wetland” was published in 2014, and is now in its second printing.  His gorgeous, stunning images of the Everglades have been used by environmental and conservation groups in their efforts to rescue and restore this important and unique water phenomenon.

Mac is currently working to photograph life in the four virginal, uncut swamps of the southeastern United States in preparation for his second book, expected to be published in 2020.

Mac’s familiarity and comfort with muddy swamps and wild animals make him the perfect photographer for Savage Race.  From photographing wild animals, Mac has learned to be quick and to anticipate what will happen next,  a wonderful attribute for someone capturing the athlete at Savage Race.  Mac doesn’t mind getting dirty, or hanging from an obstacle to get just the right shot, the perfect expression.  Mac often takes 3000-5000 shots per race to get just the images he wants for each Savage Race.

Mac’s talents also include his artistry, as exemplified by his images of Sawtooth overlooking the valley in Ohio, or the fogbow which adorned the Dade City, Florida venue on event day a couple of years ago.

Mac’s environmental work has taken him to remote and threatened regions of the world. He has photographed great white sharks in South Africa and supported biologists in the Amazon rain-forest.  Mac is currently the Executive Director of the Naturaland Trust in South Carolina.

Savage Race is extremely privileged to have Mac Stone, environmental photographer extraordinaire, as its official photographer.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Scornhole

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Scornhole

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Sawtooth

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Sawtooth

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Wheel World

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Wheel World

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Colossus

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Colossus

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Great Wall

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Great Wall

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Twirly Bird

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Twirly Bird

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Battering Ram

Make sure you are subscribed to our newsletter and part of our private Savage Syndicate Facebook group to catch more obstacle updates, training tips, and pointers for completing the obstacles.

Obstacle Tips with Sam & Lee – Featured Obstacle: Battering Ram