The City of Westminster is rolling out its first-ever ruck event on Saturday, May 9, 2026. The Ruck & Rosé 5K steps off at 9:00 a.m. at Wakefield Valley Park, 1000 Fenby Farm Road, timed to Mother's Day weekend.
According to the event listing, this is billed as "Westminster's first-ever ruck race,” an organized 5K in which participants cover the course carrying a weighted pack.
What Is Rucking?
Rucking, rooted in military training, is walking or hiking with a weighted backpack. The city describes it as "low-impact, high-reward, and perfect for all fitness levels." Participants must have their ruck or pack weighed at a weigh-in station both before and after the race to confirm it meets the minimum required weight.
Minimum required weight:
Female participants: 10 lbs
Male participants: 20 lbs
Approved gear includes a ruck backpack, a weighted vest, or a regular backpack with added weight. Suggested weight options range from ruck plates and dumbbells to sandbags, bricks wrapped securely, weight plates, or books packed tightly. Organizers emphasize that weight must be secure and packs must be comfortable and properly fitted.
Registration and Pricing
Individual: $30 per person (increases to $35 on May 1)
Team of 4: $100 per team (increases to $120 on May 1) — the first teammate registers for $100, and the other three register free.
Registration for every participant includes:
A finisher's medal
A Ruck & Rosé T-shirt
Access to the post-race "Rocking Ruck Party" with refreshments, Rosé (21+), a live DJ, and free flowers for moms
Registration and full event details are available at the Ruck & Rosé 5K page on RunSignUp.
Awards
Overall Male & Female: Medals plus ceremony recognition
Overall Team Award: Medals plus ceremony recognition
In addition, three prize baskets will be handed out after the race:
"The Hall of Fame Name" — for the best team name (puns encouraged)
"Smells Like Team Spirit" — for the most creative and spirited squad
"The Last Team Standing" — for the team that shows grit by finishing strong, even if they're the last crew across the line
Timing and the Larger Weekend
The Ruck & Rosé 5K shares Saturday, May 9, with the Flower & Jazz Festival in downtown Westminster and the Free State Daylily Society's annual sale at the Carroll County Ag Center — giving Westminster a packed Mother's Day weekend of events across town.
Source: Ruck & Rosé 5K event listing, RunSignUp.