The Sawmill Gauntlet
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The Sawmill Gauntlet
The Sawmill Gauntlet on December 5, 2026 takes place in Laurens, SC and uses a repeated 2.5-mile loop as its course. The event includes a Running Division with a last runner standing format and a 12-Hour Ruck Division with a timed endurance format.
In the Running Division a new lap begins every 45 minutes. Each participant must complete one full loop during each window and be back in the starting corral before the next lap begins. There are no pace requirements; progression is governed by the lap cycle. The final remaining runner must complete one last solo 2.5-mile lap to be declared the winner; if that lap is not finished, there is no winner.
The 12-Hour Ruck Division uses the same loop and requires participants to carry a 25 lb ruck, dry weight, at all times. Once started, a competitor must keep moving until their race ends or the 12 hour period expires. Short breaks under 30 minutes are permitted; any break or stoppage longer than 30 minutes results in removal. There is no minimum or maximum lap count. Weight checks will be performed and the clock continues running throughout.
A side pot will track total miles by group, comparing ultra runners with military and first responders. Miles count toward that total even if a participant does not finish. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
