The Sawmill Gauntlet

Race Format

The rules are simple. The race is not. The course is a 2.5-mile loop. A new lap begins every 45 minutes. Every runner must complete one full loop per window. You must be back in the starting corral before the next lap begins. Miss the start—you’re done. There are no pace requirements. Only the clock. The cycle is relentless. The clock never stops. The miles stack up. The field gets smaller. This continues until only one runner remains.

Winning the Race (Running Division)

To win, the final remaining runner must complete one last solo 2.5-mile lap. Finish it — you win Fail it — nobody wins This race does not reward speed. It rewards refusal.

12-Hour Ruck Division

This is not last-runner-standing. This is a time-based endurance grind. The same 2.5-mile loop is used Participants must carry a 25 lb ruck (dry weight) at all times Once you start, you keep moving until your race ends or 12 hours expires To finish: Ring the bell when you're done — that’s your race Rules: Short breaks are allowed Any break longer than 30 minutes = immediate removal If you stop moving for more than 30 minutes at any time, you’re done There is: No minimum laps No maximum laps Only time under load Weight will be checked. The clock will not stop. The course does not care.

Side Pot: Bragging Rights Battle

This isn’t just you versus the course. It’s ultra runners vs. military and first responders. A side pot will be tracked for total miles by each group: Every mile counts Even if you DNF, your miles still contribute You are part of something bigger than your individual finish. Don’t let your side down. Keep pushing.

The Point

This is not about medals. It is not about comfort. It is not about motivation. This is about: Suffering management Discipline Mental durability Your body will ask you to stop. Your mind decides when you listen. Endure. Or ring the bell.