SWAT 5K/Ruck

·         Bib and Bag pick up will only be on the day of the race and will begin at 4 pm at the brewery. 

·         Due to the number of participants, we will be slightly shifting start times.

o   Team Division will start at 6:25 pm.

o   Heavy Division (Male and Female) will start at 6:35 pm.

o   Light Division (Male and Female) will start at 6:45 pm.

·         We will have a bag check station available for anyone participating in the race.

o   Your bib number will be written on your bag at the bag check station so please keep your bib with you following the race.

·         A headlamp and or flashlight is MANDATORY. This is a nighttime trail run.

·         There will be one water station at the entrance to the trail.  You will be able to stop at the water station when entering and exiting the trail.

·         We have slightly modified the course.  For anyone wanting to run the course in preparation, the trail has been marked with yellow flagging tape at the entrance and every turn.  You will enter the trail on the right side of the trailhead (see the attached map). 

o   At no point on the trail will runners be running along the same trail in opposite directions of each other.

Heavy Division and Heavy Division Team Runners: 

·         Top finishers. Your ruck, vest, or kit will be weighed at the END of the race as soon as you cross the finish line.  If your ruck or vest weighs less than 35 lbs. you (and your team if applicable) will not be eligible to receive a challenge coin or receive a trophy for 1st, 2nd, or 3rd place. Standards matter so there will be no exceptions.      

o   You are welcome to use our scales before the race to ensure you are at 35 lbs. 

Team Runners: Just a reminder that your overall team time will not stop until the last member of your four-person team crosses the finish line. 

·         Teams do not have to register together, and team rosters will be recorded during bag/bib pick-up.

PARKING: Parking will fill up at the brewery rather quickly.  Additional parking will be at the Finley Center and the business on Mineral Trace next to the brewery (see the attached map for reference).    

·         If you park on Mineral Trace, the road will be completely closed during the race, and you will not be able to leave until the race is complete.

This Race is open to everyone!

The race will begin at Sunset and the course will start next to the brewery and go towards Black Creek Mountain Bike Park, loop around the trail and finish back at the brewery.  Unique trophies will be given out for 1st, 2nd, and 3rd in FIVE DIVISIONS; Female/Male (regular 5k race, no extra weight), Female/Male Heavy (must be completed with a 35 lb. vest/ruck pack), and Team Heavy (4 individuals all carrying their own 35 lb. vest/ruck pack).  This will be a rain-or-shine event.  Runners are encouraged to bring a headlamp, glowsticks, or flashlight as some of the race will be in the woods on a trail.  Runners in the two Heavy divisions will have the opportunity to race against ASF SWAT Team Members. Every individual and team that beats the ASF SWAT Team with the best time will receive a SWAT Challenge Coin.  Participants in the Heavy Divisions may use a weighted vest or ruck/backpack.  Every vest or ruck will be weighed at the end of the race to ensure it is 35 pounds.  Failure to meet 35 pounds will disqualify you from a 1st, 2nd, or 3rd trophy or challenge coin.  For the Heavy Team Division, time does not stop until the last member crosses the finish line.    Parking will be at the Hoover Met and there will be restrooms at Brocks Gap Brewery and by the start line.  There will be one water station along the course.  Strollers are not allowed for this course as it will be a partial trail run.  All runners must be at least 13 years of age or older.  Please visit our social media for a course map.  To guarantee a t-shirt, finisher medal, and a koozie for each participant, please register on or before 01/24/2024. There will be race day registration for an extra $10 but a t-shirt, finisher medal, and koozie are not guaranteed.  Register at https://runsignup.com/Race/AL/Hoover/SWAT5kRuck. Or Scan QR Code below. Follow us on Facebook for updates, Alabama SWAT Foundation.

THE ORGINAIZATION

The Alabama SWAT Foundation is a newly formed nonprofit organization created by current SWAT (Special Weapons and Tactics) Police Officers.  Our mission is simple, to advance the training of SWAT Teams across the state of Alabama.  Through the generous support of our community, funds raised will be utilized to send SWAT team members to the highest level of training anywhere in the country.  We know team members will come back with sharpened skills and new information to share.  In addition, they will return with the ability to positively affect the teams they belong to and better protect their communities, all while becoming better leaders.  SWAT Officers are usually only called upon during the worst situations imaginable.  Being able to obtain the tools and gear required to navigate those situations safely can be difficult, but sometimes an even harder barrier to cross can be receiving enough funding to attend the best tactics and leadership training possible.  Training is available, officers are ready to step up, and we want to bridge the gap to help.   

The Alabama SWAT Foundation is a non-profit organization (501C3), and all donations are tax-deductible. If your company would like to be a sponsor email us at admin@alswat.org.