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FAQ's

Q. Are Hi Tech® boots allowed?
A. Yes. They are encouraged to help prevent foot injuries.

Q. Do I have to wear a uniform if I'm entering a military category?
A. Yes, participants in military categories must be in uniform.

Q. What does "service recognized" boots or equipment mean?
A. It is the footwear and equipment your military organization authorized its personnel to wear as part of the uniform. For instance, U.S. Army personnel may not wear U.S. Marine Corps desert combat boots.

Q. Are BDU shorts allowed in the military categories?
A. No. Although several services have theater specific provisions for the wearing of BDU-type shorts, they are not allowed in the military categories. This is in in the interest of keeping external advantages to a minimum since several services have no such provision.

Q. Can I use a CamelBak® instead of the LBE with canteen?
A. No. Military participants can carry a Camelbak in addition to the LBE, but cannot replace it.

Q. Does military heavy have to wear an LBE with the rucksack?
A. Yes.

Q. Are desert BDUs authorized on the march?
A. Yes. Official issue desert style BDUs are authorized, and encouraged, to help prevent heat injuries.

Q. What categories may I enter?
A. Civilians may participate in the civilian categories. Certain military ID card holders may participate in their appropriate military categories or in civilian categories. For further clarifications look at the categories page.

Q. What is the requirements on entering the team categories?
A. Teams will consist of 5 members - no more, no less. All members must cross the finish line within 20 seconds of each other.

Q. Are team members required to attend the team representatives' meeting?
A. No, only the team captain is required to attend.

Q. Is there a team category for the 15.2-mile route?
A. No.

Q. What is the weight requirement for the heavy divisions?
A. Ruck plus frame must equal 35 pounds.

Q. For JROTC/ROTC entries in the team categories, may the instructors march with the cadets as a team member?
A. Yes. Any JROTC/ROTC instructor assigned to the entered unit's team may enter with the team and march as a member of that team. This is due largely to the fact that many JROTC teams require chaperones to march with their teams because of the participants' ages (minors).

Q. I'm entering a non-military category - what type of shoe/boot do you recommend?
A. It really depends upon your goal. If you are running for time, you want a solid running shoe. If you are walking, you might consider a lightweight hiking boot. What ever type of footwear you decide to wear, train in the shoes/boots you intend to use on the march. You should have at least 100 miles on your marching footwear. This ensures your gear is broken in and will minimize the chance for blisters. You might also consider wearing gaiters to keep sand and rocks out of your shoes/boots.

Q. Is water and first aid available along the route?
A. There are multiple water points along the route. There are also several first aid stations.

Q. Can I get first aid supplies from march medics before the march?
A. No. First aid (and necessary supplies) are administrated by trained medics along the route.

Q. What about food?
A. A continental breakfast (muffins, juice and fruit) is available for marchers before the start. Each marcher will receive a meal ticket for sandwiches and beverages during inprocessing for lunch on the day of the march.

Q. Can spectators go out on the route to watch?
A. Because of the rugged nature of the course (much is along trails and washes), spectators are not allowed on the route. The safest and most comfortable place for spectators is at the start/finish line.

Q. Are strollers allowed on the route?
A. No. This includes jogging and baby strollers.

Q. What is the maximum time allowed to complete the march?
A. There is no prescribed time limit, however, march officials may begin removing marchers from the route as darkness falls.