Field Briefings & Top Stories

Station 1 Pain BeaverFit Mobile Rig at Queenslake

Course Reveal: Station #1

Obstacle Intelligence • Travis Manion Foundation & Under Armour Freedom

BREAKING NEWS: STATION #1 IS "PAIN" (THE BEAVERFIT GAUNTLET)

The race directors have officially revealed the opening crucible of the 2026 tactical trail. Situated on the lakeside lawn with the morning mist rising off Queenslake, Station #1 is officially named "PAIN".

Powered by the mobile BeaverFit tactical training trailer—presented in partnership with the Travis Manion Foundation ("If Not Me, Then Who...") and Under Armour Freedom—this opening station immediately tests every runner's mental fortitude, raw strength, and squad coordination.

How Station #1 Works:

Squad Choice of Discipline: Each of the four team runners chooses from a diverse series of physical challenges.
The Exercise Gauntlet: Disciplines include barbell deadlifts, heavy kettlebell swings, 400lb agricultural tire flips, tactical rope climbs, sled/prowler push-drags, heavy sandbag cleans, high medicine wall-balls, or tactical push-ups.
Squad Movement Directive: The team cannot advance until all four runners complete their required repetitions. Once all four finish, the entire squad moves together into the trail network.

"Station 1 sets the tone for the entire morning. It isn't just about pure speed—it's about digging deep alongside your teammates right from the gun."

2026 Mandatory Team Gear - Ammo Cans, Service Rifle, American Flag

2026 Mandatory Equipment Directive

Authenticity Directive • 1993 Battle of Mogadishu Simulation

2026 TEAM GEAR REVEAL: REPLICA COMBAT SERVICE RIFLE ADDED!

Every year at the Queenslake Mogadishu Mile, we introduce a new authentic piece of equipment to make the challenge more immersive, camaraderie-building, and true to the harrowing physical reality faced by Task Force Ranger on October 3–4, 1993.

Year 4 (2024 Addition)

Twin Ammo Cans

Two heavy military steel ammo cans issued per squad.

Year 5 (2025 Addition)

American Flag

Full-size national colors carried high on a tactical staff.

Year 6 (2026 NEW Addition)

Combat Service Rifle

Replica combat rifle carried by the point runner.

The Golden Finish-Line Rule

In order for your squad's finish time to be officially certified for the Mogadishu Cup and divisional trophies, your team must cross the finish line with 100% of all issued equipment (Ammo Cans, Flag, and Service Rifle) intact. No gear left behind!

Bagpiper Tore DeRolf playing in the morning mist at Queenslake

6th Year Memorial Tradition • Opening Tribute

A Sacred Queenslake Tradition • Six Consecutive Years

MOGADISHU BAGPIPER TORE DEROLF RETURNS FOR 6TH STRAIGHT YEAR

Ever since our inaugural event in 2021, the solemn, haunting notes of the Highland bagpipes echoing through the morning mist across Queenslake have served as the emotional heartbeat of our opening ceremonies. We are deeply honored to announce that master bagpiper Tore DeRolf is returning for his 6th consecutive year.

We cannot thank Tore enough for his steadfast devotion, artistry, and generous donation of time and talent year after year. Arriving before dawn, Tore's stirring bagpipe lament provides the solemn musical accompaniment to our signature tribute: the riderless Friesian horse and flag-draped caisson procession that walks the historic limestone trail honoring the nineteen fallen warriors of Task Force Ranger.

A Heart of Selfless Service & Community Tribute

Tore’s commitment to honoring others reaches far beyond race day. Just this month (September 2026), Tore generously joined us at Queenslake to play a poignant bagpipe tribute honoring the fallen heroes and victims of 9/11 during our American Cancer Society charity gala—an extraordinary evening where our community came together to raise over $250,000 for cancer research and patient assistance.

Opening Ceremony Lament

Echoing across the central lake at sunrise to begin the tribute.

Friesian Horse Caisson Accompaniment

Playing in unison with the solemn equine procession along the limestone wall.

"When Tore's pipes ring out across the water, time stands still. We reflect, we remember, and we honor those who gave everything for our country."

Guitars for Vets Military Hands Acoustic Session

Music & Healing • Guitars For Vets

Festival Showcase • 20 Combat Veterans Registered

GUITARS FOR VETS: 20 VETERAN GUITARISTS CONFIRMED FOR LAKESIDE STAGE

Music has the undeniable power to heal what words cannot express. We are thrilled to announce that over 20 combat veteran guitarists and program graduates have officially registered and expressed interest in performing at the 2026 Queenslake Mogadishu Mile memorial!

Throughout the morning endurance challenge and leading directly into the afternoon National Patriotic Concert on the 40x30 lakeside stage, these veteran musicians will host acoustic in-the-round sessions. They will share original compositions, classic anthems, and deeply personal stories of transition, recovery, and brotherhood.

About Guitars For Vets (G4V)

Guitars For Vets is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing physical relief and emotional healing to veterans struggling with PTSD and physical injuries. By providing free guitars, one-on-one lessons, and a welcoming musical community, G4V puts the healing power of music directly into veterans' hands.

Acoustic In-The-Round

Intimate lakeside performances on the water during and after the run.

National Patriotic Concert

Full-stage veteran showcase on Queenslake's 40x30 festival stage.

View Full Concert Lineup & Schedule

19 Fallen Soldier Green River Bourbon Collector Series

Collector Tribute Series • Green River Distilling

Historic Distilling Tribute • Task Force Ranger Memorial

19-BOTTLE TRIBUTE BOURBON: GREEN RIVER DISTILLING COMMEMORATIVE SERIES

Kentucky bourbon is rooted in heritage, resilience, and tradition. In an extraordinary tribute to the heroes of the Battle of Mogadishu, Green River Distilling Co. (Owensboro, KY) has crafted an exclusive, limited-edition release of 19 individual tribute bottles.

Each bottle in this collector series is custom laser-engraved with the name, rank, military unit crest, and date of sacrifice for one of the nineteen brave soldiers of 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers), 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force), and 24th Special Tactics Squadron who gave their lives on October 3–4, 1993.

Distillery Partner

Green River Distilling

Historic Owensboro, KY DSP-KY-10 craftsmanship.

Tribute Quantity

19 Dedicated Bottles

One unique bottle dedicated to each fallen hero.

Commemoration

Trophy Presentation

Featured in the official Mogadishu Cup ceremony.

"Every bottle tells the story of an American warrior who stood tall in the face of impossible odds. We raise this glass to their eternal honor."

The Sacred Course • Queenslake Horse Farm

THE 140-ACRE TRAIL & 19 PERMANENT MEMORIAL STATIONS

The tactical course is carved through the rolling pastures and deep woodlands of Queenslake Horse Farm. Positioned along a historic limestone wall are 19 permanent laser-engraved steel memorials honoring the soldiers of 3rd Battalion 75th Ranger Regiment, 160th SOAR (Night Stalkers), 1st SFOD-D (Delta Force), and 24th STS.

Caisson & Friesians

Solemn equine procession with flag-draped casket.

Bagpipe Lament

Played by Tore DeRolf echoing across the water.

Mogadishu Cup

9 rotating divisional trophies for service squads.