The 50-mile march is one of the most strenuous activities here at The Strenuous Life. It serves as a make-up Agon for the 12-week Challenge. It is also a requirement for the Theodore Roosevelt-inspired Rough Rider Badge, and with good reason: TR was the man who came up with the idea of making the ability to march 50 miles in 20 hours over 3 days a fitness test for members of all branches of the military. While the standard was abandoned after Roosevelt left office, it was rediscovered by another president — John F. Kennedy — who challenged the Marines to do it with even more strenuosity — finishing the 50 miles in 20 hours within a single day. Once this gauntlet was thrown down, not only did the Marines pick it up with gusto, but citizens across the country eagerly accepted the challenge as well. 

You can read more about the history of the 50-Mile Challenge here.

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While the 50-mile hike became an obscure part of American military and fitness history, we’re striving to keep it alive here at The Strenuous Life. Below is a list of the TSL members who have successfully completed the 50-Mile Challenge. If you’ve completed the 50-Miler, please let us know by emailing support@strenuouslife.co with the time in which you completed the march/hike.

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A hearty huzzah! to these intrepid and strenuous souls.