GORUCK Events vs Turf Games: distance, stations, price & difficulty compared (2026-27)

GORUCK is an American rucking company that makes rucksacks and training gear and runs team endurance events across the United States. Its flagship event, the GORUCK Challenge, has been held since 2010; the company says it has led more than 10,000 of them.

A Challenge is a team event, not a race. Participants carry a weighted rucksack and stay together as a class from start to finish, completing team-building tasks and covering miles under the direction of a GORUCK Cadre, drawing on Special Forces traditions. Challenges come in four levels: Light, Basic, Tough and Heavy, with the longer and harder levels aimed at well-trained participants. Finishers receive a patch that is not sold. GORUCK also runs the City Ruck Series of group rucks, timed ruck events such as 5K and 15K, and event weekends that combine several formats, such as Halloween in Salem and Ruckapalooza in Jacksonville Beach. Rucksack training beforehand is recommended.

Turf Games is a team-based functional fitness competition that tests strength, speed, endurance and teamwork. It started in 2018 as a way to bring London's fitness community together. It was founded by Andrew Manteit and now holds events in cities including London, Dubai, Singapore and Brisbane.

There are several competition formats. Fitness Festivals are run for teams of six athletes, with music, food and entertainment around the competition floor. The City Tour is for teams of four, ranked on one global leaderboard, and Engine is Turf Games' hybrid fitness race. Teams pick a division that matches their level: Everyday is the entry point, with lighter weights and no high-skill movements, while Intermediate and Elite bring heavier loads and more skilled elements. This makes Turf Games suitable for gym groups and friends competing together as well as experienced competitors.