A network of local ruck clubs · Starting in Greenwich

Never ruck alone.

Rucking is walking with weight on your back. We do it together: any weight, any pace, everyone finishes together, and there's always time for a catch-up after.

What is rucking

Walking, with weight.

Put some weight in a backpack and go for a walk. That's it. It's the simplest strength and cardio workout there is, and almost anyone can do it at their own weight and pace.

Heart and lungs

Real cardio

The extra load lifts your heart rate without the pounding of running.

Legs, back, core

Strength

Carrying weight works your posture muscles, legs and core on every step.

Knees will thank you

Low impact

Gentler on your joints than running, so it suits beginners and returning athletes.

Head space

Mood

Fresh air, a walk, and a chat with people who get it. Many of us come for this part.

General fitness information, not medical advice. If you have a health condition, an injury or you're pregnant, check with your GP before you start.

Start here

Your first ruck.

No experience, special kit or fitness test needed, and everyone is welcome. Turn up, say hello, and we'll pair you with a regular for the first mile.

How to start

  1. Start around 9 kgAbout 20 lb, GORUCK's usual starting point. New to exercise? Go lighter. Water bottles are fine.
  2. Keep it short3 miles at a pace where you can still hold a conversation.
  3. Pack it high and tightWeight close to your back, between the shoulder blades.
  4. Build slowlyAdd weight or distance, never both in the same week.
  5. Come with usEveryone starts together and everyone finishes together.
Your weightStart withAfter a month
Under 60 kg5–7 kg9 kg
60–90 kg9 kg11–14 kg
Over 90 kg9–11 kg14 kg+

What to bring

Chapters

Find your crew.

Ruck Mates is a network of local clubs. Each chapter has its own name, leader and routes, and the same promise: nobody rucks alone.

Chapter 01 · Greenwich, SE London · 51°28′N 0°00′

Greenwich Mean Ruckers

Our first chapter, rucking on the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, SE London.

When
Every other Thursday, 6:00pm, from 22 October
Meet
Cutty Sark, Greenwich SE10
Next
Thu 22 Oct

Calendar, how a Thursday works, leaders and Greenwich kit.

Start a chapter

Want Ruck Mates in your part of London, or your town? We'll help you set it up.

Tell us where

Our mission

Walk. Talk. Carry each other.

Everyone's carrying something. Walking side by side makes it easier to talk, and a weekly ruck gives people somewhere to show up. Ruck Mates is fitness first, with friends and a bit of looking out for each other built in.

No one left behind

Together

We start together, finish together, and put a sweeper at the back every time.

Any weight, any pace

Open to all

Women and men, every age, shape, size and fitness level. Your weight is your business.

How are you, really?

Checked in

One stop on every ruck to check in on each other. Optional, and kept light.

Free

Always

Club rucks cost nothing. Merch and charity rucks are optional extras.

How we look after each other

No pressure on pace or weight, no sexist or aggressive banter, and photos only with your consent. After dark, nobody has to walk to or from the meeting point alone: say so and someone will walk with you to the station. Leaders will step in if anyone makes the group feel unsafe.

Code of conduct

  • Be honest and decent. Treat everyone fairly, whatever their background, pace or the weight they carry.
  • Everyone belongs. No discrimination or harassment of any kind, including over race, religion, sex, gender identity, sexuality, age, disability, pregnancy or nationality.
  • No bullying or intimidation. Banter is fine. Making someone feel small isn't.
  • Look out for each other. Safety and wellbeing come before pace or distance.
  • One warning. If someone crosses the line, a leader will have a word. If it carries on, they'll be asked to leave, and repeated or serious breaches mean they won't be back.

Based on the GORUCK Club code of conduct.

We're mates, not therapists. If you're struggling, call Samaritans free on 116 123 any time, contact your GP, or call NHS 111. In an emergency, call 999.

Shop · First drop coming soon

Wear the miles.

Printed to order in the UK, so nothing is wasted. Get in touch if you want first dibs.

Club crest tee

The plate crest on a black tee. The everyday club shirt.

Price TBC
Greenwich Mean Ruckers tee

The chapter shirt. Front print, so it shows with your pack on.

Price TBC
Never Ruck Alone hoodie

Plate logo on the chest, big print on the back.

Price TBC
Rucking Legend tee

For anyone who's ever rucked with us, or wants to.

Price TBC
Stencil crate patch

Embroidered, 9 × 6 cm, hook-and-loop back. Goes on the back of your pack, so the crew shows from behind too.

Price TBC
Ruck Together tee

Big hi-vis front print on black, in reflective ink that lights up in headlights and head torches.

Price TBC
Ruck Off tee

Big front print on a stone tee.

Price TBC

Contact

Say hello.

Questions about your first ruck, starting a chapter, partnerships, press, or charity rucks.

hello@ruckmates.com

Or just turn up on a Thursday. We'll be the ones by the Cutty Sark with backpacks on.

Next ruck · Cutty SarkThu 22 Oct, 6pm
I'm in