(Radio Iowa) – An unusual challenge for runners that will double as a welcome home celebration for returning Iowa National Guard soldiers is planned for next weekend. American Legion Post 91 in Estherville is hosting its 4th annual Estherville Warrior Ruck on October 23rd. The race will start and end at the Iowa National Guard Armory in Estherville. Post Commander Perry Russell explains a ruck march. “It’s what the military uses to move troops from one point to another on foot,” Russell says. “You put all your gear in a pack and you move however many miles you need to move to do whatever the next objective is, and we’re making it kind of a race, a 10K race.”

That 10-K race is both on and off-road, while a shorter race will be all on-road. Several military members will be taking part in the ruck march, while civilians will need to outfit themselves properly. “You do have to provide your own backpack and your own weight. What we consider heavy is 20 pounds,” Russell says. “If you have 20 pounds in, you’re eligible to win the award if you come in first place on the 10K or the two-and-a-half mile.”

Russell hopes there’s a good turnout from runners and spectators. “We haven’t done a welcome home for our unit. They came home from being deployed. We’re hoping people come out just to say ‘thanks’ and ‘welcome home’,” Russell says. “Also, we want people to participate so they can preregister online on the American Legion Post 91’s Facebook page, for Estherville.”

The event will start at 9 a.m. Pre-registration is $25, and $30 on the day of the ruck. A group of 3 or more is $20 each. All proceeds will help support local veterans and their families.