A. “Honor through Action.” Simply put, this event honors the sacrifices of our American service members and their families. Nothing will give you a better appreciation of their sacrifice than to walk a mile, or 26.2, in their shoes and their weight on your back!

Q. When does registration begin?

A. You can register at link  provided on the Home page of the MMMM website. If the link is not working e-mail us at  emailus@mountainmanmemorialmarch.com. Register early to receive discounts. You can also register in person the morning of the event.

Q. How do I get assigned an honoree to march for?

A. If you have not already have chosen an honoree, you may ask for one to be assigned to you. A photo placard will be emailed for you to print out.  Many participants choose to laminate or insert placard into a standard sized page protector to safeguard the placard from inclement weather.

Q. Who benefits?

A. Originally, The funds raised from the event provided several scholarship grants to Gold Star Family members. In 2012, the decision was made to begin donating to  local organizations who supported our military and veteran community, MMMM provided the majority of funds needed to construct the first Gold Star Family Memorial Monument in Tennessee in cooperation with the Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation.  The MMMM has also made significant donations to the American Red Cross of East TN, the Gatlinburg Fire Department, the Gatlinburg Police Department and Wreaths Across American program.

In addition, The MMMM has made annual donation to the winning ROTC team program competing in the “Full Heavy” category and to the University of Tennessee Army and Air Force ROTC programs for their manpower assistance during the actual event.

Hershel “Woody” Williams Medal of Honor Foundation

Wreaths Across America

FAQs 2021 (Virtual)

Q. Who can enter and what categories may I enter?

A. Anyone can participate.  The team and individual categories are military heavy full, military heavy half, military light full, military light half, civilian light full, civilian light half. Please see the rules for these categories. Military categories are open to government and veterans organizations with uniforms such as police and fire departments, Department of Energy, etc. All military personnel may compete in any category.

Q. Do I have to wear a uniform if I’m entering a military category?
A. Yes, participants in military categories must be in their organizational uniform. See official rules for uniform modifications.

 Q. How do you become a Sponsor?

A. If you would like to become a corporate sponsor, or if you wish to donate time or funding to this event, please contact us at emailus@mountainmanmemorialmarch.com

Q. What does “service recognized” boots or equipment mean?
A. It is the footwear and equipment your organization authorized its personnel to wear as part of the uniform. For instance, U.S. Army personnel may not wear U.S. Marine Corps desert combat boots or other unauthorized boots.

Q. Can I use a Camelback instead of the LBE with canteen?
A. Yes. Military participants can carry a Camelback or an LBE/LCE/Molle.

Q. Do military heavy have to wear an LBE with the rucksack?
A. No. A Camelback may be used in place of an LBE/LCE/Molle.  Any water carrying device may be placed in rucksack during the march but must be removed prior to and does not count towards the minimum weight requirements.

Q. What are the requirements for team categories?
A. Teams will consist of 5 members – no more, no less. All members must cross the finish line within 20 seconds of each other with all equipment and be weighed in at the weigh station to ensure that all members still have the required weight. Scales will be provided before the event for an unofficial weight measurement.

Q. What is the weight requirement for the heavy categories?
A. Ruck plus frame must equal 35 pounds, not including water or items that may be picked up along the course (such as rocks.)  Many marchers use canned food products for their weight,  which can then be collected for the Sevier county food bank.

Q. For JROTC/ROTC entries in the team categories, may the instructors march with the cadets as a team member?
A. Yes. Any JROTC/ROTC instructor assigned to the entered unit’s team may enter with the team and march as a member of that team. This is due largely to the fact that many JROTC teams require chaperones to march with their teams because of the participants’ ages (minors).

Q. I’m entering a non-military category – what type of shoe/boot do you recommend?
A. It really depends upon your goal. If you are running for time, you want a solid running shoe. If you are walking, you might consider a lightweight hiking boot. Whatever type of footwear you decide to wear, train in the shoes/boots you intend to use on the march. You should have at least 100 miles on your marching footwear. This ensures your gear is broken in and will minimize the chance for blisters. You might also consider wearing gaiters to keep sand and rocks out of your shoes/boots.