EVENT DETAILS & OPERATIONS

October 3, 2026 · Queenslake Horse Farm

CHRONOLOGICAL SCHEDULE

Saturday, October 3, 2026

07:00 AM · Gates Open & Participant Check-In

Gates open for all competitors, spectators, and media at 292 Soards Road. Free on-site parking is managed entirely on the farm. Participant bib pickup and check-in takes place near the main barn complex.

Check-in
08:00 AM · Opening Ceremony

Ceremonial bagpipes by Tore DeRolf echo across the central lake. A silent procession featuring Friesian horses moves through the property. Keynote speaker and paralympic shooter Jaime Morales leads the Roll Call of the 19 Fallen Soldiers of Task Force Ranger. Gold Star families present are recognized.

Bagpipes
09:00 AM · Athletic Challenge Start

The fitness run launches. Competitors depart in staggered waves. Individual runners and 4-person teams enter the 140-acre trail course carrying their required gear.

Start Line
09:30 AM · Guitars For Veterans Music Festival Commences

Live musical sets begin on the custom 40x30 lakeside stage. Performances run continuously through the morning and afternoon, featuring regional artists, Guitars for Vets musicians, and Army veteran Gregg Combs.

Lakeside music
11:00 AM · Late Registration Closes

Official competitor registration closes on-site for late-arriving runners. Course marshals verify participant tracking along the trail.

02:00 PM · Mogadishu Cup Awards Ceremony

Presentation of the division trophies and custom bourbon plaques for the Mogadishu Cup.

Awards Ceremony
02:00 PM · National Patriotic Concert & Event Conclusion

The headlining National Patriotic Concert commences on the lakeside stage immediately following the last runner and the awards presentation, bringing the day to a grand patriotic conclusion.

Patriotic Concert

COURSE MECHANICS & OBSTACLES

COURSE RULES & MANDATORY GEAR

The Mogadishu Mile Kentucky is a grueling military tribute. In the spirit of tactical Special Operations, no team member or piece of equipment is left behind. All starting gear must cross the finish line together, or the team/runner faces disqualification.

Ammo Cans

1. Steel Ammunition Cans

Teams and individuals must carry steel ammo cans for segments of the course, carrying the physical burden of combat egress.

American Flags

2. Replica M16 Rifles & Flags

Competitors handle mock M16 training weapons or full-sized American flags, maintaining control and respect throughout the trail.

Weighted Ruck

3. The 35-LB Weighted Ruck Option

Solo runners and team captains selecting the Ruck Division must carry a mandatory 35-pound ruck pack throughout the entire course.

THE MOVEMENT MATRIX

Along the trail, competitors face physical obstacles and exercise stations testing core endurance, team communication, and raw strength.

Tire flips
Tire Flips
Box jumps
Box Jumps
Ball slams
Med Ball Slams
Chain drag
Heavy Chain Drags

19 Permanent Steel Memorial Stations

The physical trail runs past 19 steel memorial stations along the Kentucky limestone wall entering the woods. Competitors stop at each station, read the name and unit details, and state the name of the fallen soldier aloud before proceeding.

Accessibility & Adaptive Sports

WARRIORS ON WHEELS & ADAPTIVE DIVISIONS

In partnership with Warriors on Wheels, the Mogadishu Mile Kentucky features dedicated adaptive athletic divisions. Paralyzed veterans and adaptive competitors navigate modified versions of the course, competing side-by-side with other athletic teams. Wheelchairs and adaptive setups are guided through custom paths, demonstrating that physical limitations do not diminish determination.

Warriors on Wheels team

DIRECTIONS & LOCATION

Queenslake Horse Farm · 292 Soards Road, Georgetown, KY 40324

FROM LEXINGTON, KY (25 MIN)

Take I-75 North to Exit 129 (Georgetown). Turn left onto US-460 West (Frankfort Pike), continue for 11 miles, then turn left onto Soards Road. Queenslake entrance is 0.5 miles on the left.

FROM LOUISVILLE, KY (60 MIN)

Take I-64 East to Exit 65 (Midway). Proceed north toward Ironworks Pike, turn left onto Ironworks Pike, then turn right onto Soards Road. Queenslake is on the right.

FROM CINCINNATI, OH (75 MIN)

Take I-75 South to Exit 129 (Georgetown). Turn right onto US-460 West, proceed 11 miles, then turn left onto Soards Road. Queenslake is on the left.

FREE ONSITE PARKING

All parking is located on the estate grounds. Please follow the signs and instructions of parking marshals upon arrival.