Basic Challenge - Battle of Ashau Valley - Arlington, VA - 3/9/2025

GORUCK BASIC CHALLENGE 
NOT TOO LIGHT, NOT TOO TOUGH

• 4-5 Hours - Our kind of fun with rucks on
• Always a Team Event, Never a Race
• Led by current and former Special Forces

The GORUCK Challenge is our flagship and original team building event - we’ve led over 10,000 since 2010. At your Basic, you’ll have some team building fun organized by your Cadre. You will stay with your class from start to finish, you’ll ruck some miles and really get to know the other participants as you become a team. This Basic Challenge is more rigorous than the Light, but still an introduction to our way of life and accessible to all who want to join a tight-knit community of ruckers all over the world and have fun doing it. We recommend some rucksack training prior — all who do are encouraged to show up. If the weight gets too heavy, your team is there to help.

When you successfully complete the Challenge, your Cadre will hand you a cold beer and a patch that will never be for sale.

BATTLE OF ASHAU VALLEY

The GORUCK Battle of Ashau Valley events throws you into the heart of one of Vietnam's toughest battles! Get ready for epic challenges and non-stop teamwork. You'll push through tough terrain and tougher missions, just like the warriors who fought there. It’s all about grit, guts, and good times with your team!

WHAT TO BRING - REQUIRED

• A rucksack (Rucker recommended) - must have reflectivity
• Ruck Plate (or equivalent) in your rucksack = to your weight requirement
  • If you weigh >150 lbs = 30 lb. Ruck Plate
  • If you weigh < 150 lbs = 20 lb. Ruck Plate
  • Kids = water weight, books, etc. 
• Water/Hydration. 1L minimum required. Hydration Bladder and a Nalgene bottle recommended.
• Any medication you might need
• Photo ID
• Smiles

RECOMMENDED (BUT NOT REQUIRED) ITEMS

• Gloves (1 pair) Not medical gloves, working gloves
• Extra layers of clothing. Think: merino wool socks and a shell. Pay close attention to the weather — if it’s gonna be cold, make sure you have a windbreaker
• Dry Bag (or equivalent, such as a contractor bag) for keeping everything in your ruck dry.
• A full  change of clothes and shoes/flip-flops for after the event. Apres-Ruck is much nicer in flip-flops 
• Supportive footwear. GORUCK recommended because it’s the best for people who carry weight and live on their feet.
• Food, snacks, electrolytes as desired
• As a class, you need one (1) 25 lb. class weight and one American Flag. If you’re new to GORUCK, don’t sweat it. If you’ve done an event or ten, organize with your class — it must be in compliance with Special Forces Rule #1: Always Look Cool