The Sawmill Gauntlet

The Sawmill Gauntlet

The Sawmill Gauntlet is an endurance event held in Laurens, SC on December 5, 2026 at 8524 Neely Ferry Road. The course is a 2.5 mile loop that repeats on a strict cycle: a new lap begins every 45 minutes and every participant must complete one full loop within each window and return to the starting corral before the next lap begins.

The event has two formats. In the Running Division the field reduces lap by lap until a single runner remains; that final runner must complete one last solo loop to be declared the winner. The race enforces only clock based rules rather than pace requirements.

The 12-Hour Ruck Division uses the same loop and is time based. Participants carry a 25 lb ruck (dry weight) at all times. Once started, participants must keep moving until their race ends or the 12 hour period expires. Short breaks are allowed but any break longer than 30 minutes or stopping movement for more than 30 minutes results in removal. There are no minimum or maximum lap counts; weight will be checked.

A side pot tracks total miles by groups of ultrarunners, military and first responders; miles count even if a participant does not finish. The event emphasizes sustained effort, discipline and mental durability. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.