The Sawmill Gauntlet

The Sawmill Gauntlet

The Sawmill Gauntlet is a loop-based endurance event held in Laurens, SC at 8524 Neely Ferry Road on December 4, 2026. The course is a 2.5-mile loop. New laps begin every 45 minutes and every participant must complete one full loop within each 45-minute window. A runner must return to the starting corral before the next lap begins; missing a lap start ends that runner's race.

The Running Division operates as a last-runner-standing format. There are no pace requirements; advancement depends only on completing each required loop on the clock. The final remaining runner must complete one last solo 2.5-mile loop to be declared the winner. If that last lap is not completed, no winner is declared.

The 12-hour Ruck Division is time based and uses the same 2.5-mile loop. Participants must carry a 25 lb ruck (dry weight) at all times while on course. Once started, a ruck participant keeps moving until the 12-hour clock expires or they end their race by ringing the bell. Breaks longer than 30 minutes or stopping movement for more than 30 minutes result in removal. There is no minimum or maximum number of laps in the ruck division; laps depend on time under load. Weight checks are performed and the clock does not stop.

Organizers emphasize endurance, discipline, and mental durability as core aspects of the event. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.