On April 4, 2026, Westside Secondary School teacher Mike Pinkney departed on a fitness challenge as part of The Ruck Race League.
The Ruck Race League is “a ‘virtual’ rucking league where distances and loads are sent out monthly. Athletes compete remotely and submit their scores to the worldwide ruck race league leaderboard.” Over the years, the Ruck Race League has attempted to make rucking more regulated and accessible across the world.
According to Pinkney, last year was the first year of the league and he finished the year 25th in the world. April 4th (The Fortitude 5k) was the second workout (of 5 this year) for Pinkney. The first workout of the year involved Rucking with 25% of your weight, and your score was how far you travelled in 75 minutes. Pinkney carried 55lbs for 12.5 kms in 75 minutes and finished 25th overall.
For the Fortitude 5k participants went as heavy as they could for 5 kms, with a time cap of 90 minutes. For this, Pinkney took on 303lbs and finished in 89.5 minutes. At the moment, based on scores that have already been entered, Pinkney is sitting in first place, although this could change as more people worldwide enter their scores.
Obviously, Pinkney has a passion for fitness, but when asked about the decision to enter the Ruck Race League, he said, “I got into this as I was searching for a way to stay active and healthy. Being outside and having weight on my back seemed interesting. I have been an Adventure Racer, Ultra Racer, Hockey player, Cross Fitter, and this seemed like a nice mix of them all.”
To train for the event Pinkney focused on strength with Kettlebells and Barbells, as well as a focus on increasing his cardio through rucking. In February alone, Pinkney logged over 160 km of rucking.
When reflecting on this experience and taking on a new sport, Pinkney said, “I am 47 years old. It is never too late to start something. Get out and move. Rucking is a wonderful way to increase health and does wonders for my mental health.”
Congratulations, Mike! This is an amazing accomplishment.