Latvia launches its first rucking series: a hike with weight that builds not only physical endurance, but also public readiness

In spring 2026, a new discipline is entering Latvia’s sports calendar - the SPĒKA SPEKTRS rucking series. It is the first event of this scale to bring together hiking culture, endurance sport and a “Preparedness Festival,” inviting people to strengthen both their physical fitness and practical skills for action in great adventures as well as in emergency situations. The season-opening stage will take place already on April 18 in Saulkrasti, and on October 10 one of the stages will also be held in Smiltene.

What is rucking? Rucking (from the English word rucking) is movement with a backpack containing extra weight. Although its historical origins are found in the military environment, rucking is now becoming one of the fastest-growing mass sports in the world. Its effectiveness lies in its simplicity - all you need is a backpack, weight and the desire to move in nature.

“The idea for the series emerged naturally - through my everyday life, by moving around with a backpack myself and organizing hikes for others. Seeing that rucking is gaining popularity abroad, I realized that this activity could also be approached from a sporting perspective in Latvia. The test stage in Sigulda dispelled all doubts - 119 participants finished within the time limit there, proving that people are looking for new and meaningful challenges,” says SPĒKA SPEKTRS founder Jānis Vanags.

Saulkrasti - the first challenge and the Preparedness Festival On April 18 in Saulkrasti, participants will be able to choose a distance that matches their abilities:

“Iron” (about 6 km)

“Steel” (about 18 km)

In parallel with the sporting activities, a Preparedness Festival will take place in the start and finish area. There, visitors together with services and organizations - the National Guard, the State Fire and Rescue Service, the Latvian Red Cross, the Border Guard, the Latvian Radio Amateurs League and others - will be able to learn such things as the basics of first aid, communication options and the principles of preparing a 72-hour bag, etc.

“Preparedness is not about fear. It is about the confidence that you can act and take care of yourself and others. We make these skills accessible through movement and practical experience,” Vanags emphasizes.

Participation, prizes and overall standings The series offers two formats: the Open Class for those who want to enjoy a hike with a self-selected weight in their backpack, and the Sport Class, where participants start with a fixed backpack weight and compete for prize places. The prize fund is provided by supporters such as BIRZI, Liepkalni, Karma Socks and others. Sport Class podium finishers will receive medals and prizes, while in the Open Class prizes can be won by answering educational questions along the route. All participants will also have the opportunity to take part in various activities and win prizes in the start/finish area. Every participant who finishes within the time limit, regardless of the chosen class, will receive a commemorative patch.

SPĒKA SPEKTRS Rucking series 2026 calendar:

April 18: Saulkrasti (season opening)

May 9: Ogre

September 26: Ādaži

October 10: Smiltene

November 14: Sigulda

December 12: Season-ending ELITE stage

Registration and event regulations are available on the website: spekaspektrs.lv

Additional information: Jānis Vanags, founder of SIA SPĒKA SPEKTRS Tel.: +371 28883681 E-mail: spekaspektrs@gmail.lv Website: spekaspektrs.lv