Braveheart Battle vs. GORUCK Events: Distanz, Stationen, Preis & Schwierigkeit im Vergleich (2026-27)

The Braveheart Battle is an old-school obstacle race held each March on the slopes around the Skiarena Silbersattel in Steinach, Thuringia. It is organised by Be Brave Go Hard GmbH, based in Steinach. The event moved from the Rhön to the Thuringian Forest in 2019.

The main challenge is the natural terrain: a hilly cross-country course with steep climbs in wintry conditions, plus added obstacles that need no complicated rulebook. The race starts with a mass start and the 'KillHill' sprint from the valley station to the middle station. Runners choose between the Rookie distance of about 10 km and the Original distance of about 20 km. The organiser requires participants to be able to swim, to wear trail shoes with good grip and gloves, and to be at least 16 years old, and sets a time limit of five hours. Awards go to the fastest women, men and teams. It suits fit trail runners and experienced obstacle racers.

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.