It is so exciting to finally be able to finally see most of the GORUCK 2020 event schedule! Missing from the list (at least for now) is GORUCK Constellation. According to Cadre Garret in ADR 113 the 2020 Constellation events will be added soon once a few of the 2019 beta events have completed.
The 2020 Event Schedule
If all you want is the 2020 event schedule then head on over to GORUCK and check it out now. I’d appreciate it if you came back though because there’s definitely some interesting information below!
The Event Data
This has been one of the first times that I’ve had two years worth of event data from the GORUCK Event Tracker so I figured why not pull some fun numbers out of it.
| 2019 | 2020 | % Change | |
| Light Events | 328 | 151 | -54% |
| Tough Events | 326 | 149 | -54% |
| Heavy Events | 54 | 12 | -78% |
| HTL Events | 44 | 3 | -93% |
| Star Course | 82 | 113 | 38% |
| Selection Events | 1 | 0 | -100% |
| Double Tough | 0 | 1 | ∞ |
| Double Heavy | 0 | 1 | ∞ |
| Firearms/Medical | 186 | 147 | -21% |
For what it’s worth this data is only as good as the information I’ve pulled from GORUCK and doesn’t factor in events that were cancelled. In addition there’s a chance that the 2020 calendar isn’t complete yet and the 2019 calendar, for the most part, is finalized. If anything I’d except to see the Firearms/Medical category to increase over time in 2020… those events are harder to find locations for which makes planning them a little difficult.
What We Expected?
This is about what I expected to see after Jason announced the 2020 event changes. Less everything across the board (excluding the Star Course) and a HUGE reduction in HTL events. There’s going to be no Selection (probably) for 2020 and Jason made good on his word that he’d put together a Double Heavy event. Next year is shaping up to be something interesting.
It’s also worth noting that the new Star Course distances (5k, 10k, and 15k) aren’t on the calendar yet. There’s already a 38% increase in Star Course events and there’s a fair number that aren’t even on the schedule yet. GORUCK is going big on the Star Course for 2020 and that’s something I’m very excited about.
Thoughts?
What are your thoughts on the 2020 event schedule? It’s definitely a lot more limited than 2019 but I wouldn’t necessarily say that’s a bad thing. In addition some smaller towns are getting events (thanks to the ruck clubs there) which I’m glad to see. Let me know in the comments below!
Hey Brian – is this schedule subject to change – as in adding more events as the year goes on – or is this schedule completely solidified?
They hosed me. I live in west Texas and I already had to travel to events, the minimum was 2 hours. Now I have to travel at least 5-6 hours and make a vacation of it. I suspect because of this I may not do more than 1 event in 2020. I know why they made the change (we have a small turn-out here) but this looks to me like they’re struggling. If they’re only ever going to focus on the larger cities then they’ll only ever have turn-out at larger cities. The ruck club in my area is small and while we’ve been diligent in recruiting we’ve not had much luck in it. I suspect that’s true to most rural areas. And without events scheduled from HQ we’re forced to turn to custom events and the ruck club call-outs as our events.
The focus has always truly been on the gear but the gear was validated through the events. I wonder how this will go. They’ve already dropped a ton of event types (Battle of the Bulge doesn’t really exist, etc.) so is it just to add variety or is it “let’s do more special events and then be done with them and tell customers ‘if you want it now’s your chance’.”? And will they see a drop in gear sales just because there are fewer events?
It’s certainly a “time will tell” situation.
It sure is a time will tell situation. It has been mentioned numerous times (by GORUCK) that the gear sales didn’t take off UNTIL the gear was used at events. Texas did get 31 of the new Star Course Sprint Series events but based on your location that may or may not help.
Taking vacations for GORUCK can be a ton of fun but when either 1) it’s the only way to do an event or 2) your significant other doesn’t enjoy events then that can make it a lot less fun quick. The thing about recruiting for a ruck club is that events help a ton. You can recruit off of the event page, find people through the event page that are training then train with them, meet potential members at the events, etc. If there’s no events in the area then that definitely makes it a little more difficult :(
So I’ve just completed my first event (light) on 9/8/19 in Seattle and I’m pumped to do more. There were 2 people that complete an HTL and it was super motivating for me and now I truly want to do and HTL. It sucks that the HTLs took a big hit on the event changes. Looks like Seattle isn’t really consider a major city, the events are few. This truly sucks.
We might not be getting as many events as some other cities but we’re getting a wide variety of events which should be great. In addition we’re one of three cities that will actually get an HTL so your hopes of completing one are better (location-wise) than most of the country. Hopefully I’ll see you at an upcoming GORUCK event… let me know what you’re signed up for next :)
I’ve signed up for the Veterans Day event (Tough/Light) Nov 8 and 9. If you’re there, I’ll definitely say hi!