CHRONOLOGICAL SCHEDULE
Saturday, October 3, 2026
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, timing chip assignment, and squad check-in takes place near the main barn complex.
Queenslake Barn Complex
OPENING CEREMONY & SACRED CAISSON PROCESSION
As morning mist rises over Queenslake's 40-acre lake, ceremonial Scottish bagpipes played by Master Bagpiper Tore DeRolf echo across the bluegrass farm. A solemn procession led by majestic black Friesian horses pulling the flag-draped caisson circumscribes the lake in sacred memory of the 19 fallen soldiers of Task Force Ranger.
Master of Ceremonies Forbes Riley and 2026 Guest of Honor, former Marine and Scott County Sheriff Jaime Morales ("217 Strong"), lead the solemn Roll Call of the 19 Fallen, joined by Gold Star Families and fellow veterans in a moment of unforgettable national remembrance.
"Heavenly Father, Almighty God... We hold up in sacred remembrance the nineteen souls of Task Force Ranger..."
Tore DeRolf · Queenslake
THE ATHLETIC CHALLENGE: 140-ACRE BATTLEFIELD CRUCIBLE
Staggered Squad Waves · Mandatory Combat Gear · 5 Movement Matrix Stations · 19 Sacred Memorials
The tactical run launches in staggered waves from the Queenslake start line. Individual runners and 4-person squads enter 140 acres of rolling Bluegrass timber trails, steep pasture climbs, and natural water crossings carrying full combat simulation gear. Built in the sacred spirit of Special Operations: you start together, you conquer together, and no gear is left behind.
MANDATORY COMBAT GEAR & RULES
All starting gear must remain in squad custody and cross the finish line together, or the team faces immediate disqualification.
1. Twin Heavy Steel Ammo Cans
Squads carry two heavy military steel ammo cans across rugged terrain simulating battlefield resupply and combat egress.
2. Full-Size American Flag on Staff
Carried high on a tactical staff throughout the entire 140-acre course—never touching Kentucky soil.
3. Replica Combat Service Rifle (M16/M4)
Issued simulation rifle carried by the point runner. Must cross the finish line in squad custody intact.
4. The 35-LB Heavy Ruck Division
Solo runners and squads selecting the Ruck Division carry a mandatory 35-pound weighted ruck or plate carrier.
5 MOVEMENT MATRIX STATIONS
CrucibleTactical exercise stations testing team synchronization, stamina, and raw strength before crossing the finish line.
BeaverFit "PAIN" Tactical Rig
Athletes choose from a menu of tactical crucible exercises on the mobile BeaverFit rig.
Pushups on Normandy Beach
Synchronized 4-count cadence pushups on Queenslake's simulated Normandy beach among Czech hedgehogs.
Throwing Sandbags Uphill
Competitors heave heavy military sandbags uphill along the tactical elevation grade, testing explosive power.
Medicine Ball Slam
Athletes drive heavy slam balls into the ground with full force, testing core power and cardiovascular stamina.
Burpees
High-intensity full-body cadence burpees demanding maximum mental toughness and team synchronization.
19 Sacred Limestone Memorial Stations
The trail winds past 19 permanent steel memorial stations embedded along Kentucky's historic limestone wall entering the woods. Competitors halt at each station, read the fallen warrior's citation and unit details, and speak the soldier's name aloud before pressing forward.
INAUGURAL NATIONAL FESTIVAL
GUITARS FOR VETERANS MUSIC FESTIVAL COMMENCES
20 Combat Veterans · 20 Stories of Healing · All-Day Waterfront Concert Stage (40'x30')
Live musical sets ignite the custom 40'x30' Grand Waterfront Amphitheater. 20 combat-veteran graduates step out of the therapy room and onto the stage to share raw, acoustic songs of recovery, original blues, and outlaw country in the spirit of a true Woodstock for Healing.
Continuous morning and afternoon performances pair with food trucks, Green River bourbon tastings, and tattoo artists. $20 concert wristbands give spectators full stage access with proceeds supporting Guitars for Vets. All 4 members of registered Mogadishu Mile squads receive free concert wristbands included with race entry!
G4V Waterfront Amphitheater
MOGADISHU CUP AWARDS CEREMONY
Presentation of the prestigious divisional trophies and custom engraved bourbon plaques for all 9 competitive divisions of the Mogadishu Cup. Top military units, first responder squads, CrossFit gyms, corporate teams, and individual athletes take the podium in front of the lakeside crowd.
Podium Trophy Presentation
MYSTERY NATIONAL HEADLINER & 20-GUITAR GRAND FINALE
Multi-Platinum Musical Powerhouse · Classic Rock Tribute · All-Hands Lake Finale
Following the Mogadishu Cup awards, a world-renowned, multi-platinum National Headliner commands the 40'x30' Lakeside Mainstage alongside emcee Forbes Riley for an electrifying classic rock and patriotic salute honoring Task Force Ranger, active military units, and Gold Star families.
The historic crescendo arrives when our Headliner calls all 20 Guitars for Vets combat-veteran graduates back onto the 40'x30' stage together for a soaring, unified 20-guitar patriotic anthem echoing across the waters of Queenslake.
Emcee Forbes Riley
Lakeside Amphitheater
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.
BRING YOUR KIDS! MINI-MOGADISHU MILE
Queenslake has officially partnered with Sky Zone Lexington to create a dedicated side event featuring a scaled-down obstacle and carry course built especially for kids! Children get to experience the thrill of the tribute, complete fun challenges, and say the names of our fallen heroes at the finish line.
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.
Need a ride from your car or unable to hike the mile? Multi-year partner Dever Golf Carts is providing on-site utility golf carts with volunteer drivers for continuous parking shuttles, accessible tours of the 19 floral limestone memorials, and scenic farm transit!
Read Mobility Dispatch & Schedule →RACE WEEKEND LODGING & FARM STAYS
Traveling in for the Mogadishu Mile & Music Festival? Book beautiful private farm houses, countryside estates, and local vacation rentals in Georgetown, KY — located just 1 to 10 minutes from the Queenslake starting line (292 Soards Road).
Queenslake Farm Accommodations
Georgetown, KY · Filter by pool, hot tub, bedrooms & distance