10K Ruck Run And 5K Fun Run Moves Back To Pelham

PELHAM, AL - After several years held at Hoover's Veterans Park, the 10K Ruck Run and 5K fun run/walk will return to Pelham in October. The event is scheduled for Oct. 20 near the south trailhead in Oak Mountain State Park, off Terrace Drive.

The event originated in Pelham, and not only returns to the city, but comes back with a new beneficiary. A report by the Hoover Sun said in the past, the event has been a fundraiser for the National Veterans Day Foundation, but this year it will benefit a group called Alabama Veteran that works to help veterans stay engaged in society and reach their full potential.

Runners in the 10K wear rucks, which are weighted backpacks or vests (40 pounds for men and 20-25 pounds for women), as an added challenge on the 6.2-mile course. There also is a 5K fun run/walk that does not require the vests or backpacks. In the 5K, the first three men, first three women and first three youths under age 13 to complete the race will be recognized. (For more updates on this story and free news alerts for your neighborhood, sign up for your local Patch morning newsletter.)

Individuals can participate, but organizers encourage runners to form teams of four to eight people. Team times are determined by the average time of all team participants.

On-site registration on race day starts at 7 a.m. The 5K should start at 8 a.m., followed by the 10K ruck race. The cost to participate in either race is a $15 donation. Runners and walkers can register by visiting the Facebook pages of Alabama Veteran or Team RWB Birmingham.

Photo by Tullio M. Puglia/Getty Images