DIVISIONAL CHAMPIONS & ROTATING CUSTODY
The 2026 event introduces the Mogadishu Cup—a premier multi-division challenge designed to foster camaraderie, healthy competition, and ultimate pride across regional service organizations, first responders, military units, and athletic associations.
Organizations build four-person teams to compete within their respective division. The fastest team to navigate the 140-acre course and clear all testing stations wins custody of their division's physical trophy cup. Winning teams hold the cup for one calendar year, returning it at the next Mogadishu Mile to defend their title.
ARE YOU READY?
Assemble your four-person team, select your organization's division, and run for the cup.
REGISTER A TEAMMOGADISHU MILE ROTATING CUP(S) - DIVISIONS
Teams must register under one of the following official categories to compete for the rotating cup.
POLICE / LAW ENFORCEMENT
Municipal Police Departments, County Sheriff's Offices, State Police, and Federal Agencies.
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Who's Got the Toughest Law Enforcement Crew?
Assemble 4 officers. 100% free registration, free concert passes, and 365-day custody of the cup.
FIRE DEPARTMENT
Career & Volunteer Municipal Fire Departments, industrial fire units, and suppression squads.
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Who's Got the Toughest Fire Crew?
4-firefighter squad. Take custody of the Firefighter Cup and bring the glory to your station house.
EMS & PARAMEDICS
Emergency Medical Technicians, Paramedics, Flight Medical Teams, and emergency response coordinators.
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Who's Got the Toughest EMS Crew?
4-medic team. Frontline stamina meets obstacle grit on Queenslake's cross-country trails.
ROTC & JROTC CADETS
University ROTC Detachments (Army, Navy, Air Force), OCS candidates, and High School JROTC academies.
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Who's Got the Toughest Cadet Corps?
4-cadet team. Prove detachment tactical readiness on live cross-country terrain.
HIGH SCHOOL ATHLETICS
High school athletic clubs, cross-country/track teams, football squads, and student athletes.
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Who's Got the Toughest High School Crew?
4-student squad. Free race entry, free live concert access, and the cup in your school display case.
NATIONAL GUARD & MILITARY
State Army National Guard, Air National Guard squadrons, Active Duty, and Reserve military units.
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Who's Got the Toughest National Guard Unit?
4-soldier squad. Carry team ammo cans and squad colors to honor Task Force Ranger.
GYMS & CROSSFIT
CrossFit affiliates, commercial gym squads, strength & conditioning boxes, and athletic clubs.
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Who's Got the Strongest Power Team?
4 fittest athletes. Put your gym's name permanently engraved on the official rotating Fitness Cup.
VETERAN GROUPS & LEGION
Chartered VFW Posts, American Legion, AMVETS, and military veteran transition organizations.
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Who's Got the Toughest Veterans Group?
4-veteran team. Display the rotating cup in your Post canteen and defend it in 2027.
BOURBON DISTILLERIES
Kentucky distilleries, craft spirits brands, cooperages, and hospitality industry teams.
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Who's Got the Toughest Distillery?
4-person distillery crew. Settle Kentucky's biggest whiskey rivalry on Queenslake's course!
MANDATORY SQUAD LOADOUT & REGULATIONS
To simulate the realistic physical demands of tactical egress during Operation Gothic Serpent, 4-person squads competing for the Mogadishu Cup are issued authentic team loadout gear at the starting line. 100% of issued equipment must cross the finish line with your squad to receive an official certified time.
Since 2021
1. Twin Steel Ammo Cans
Two heavy military-grade steel ammo cans issued per 4-person squad. Team members may rotate carriers, but cans must be carried through all trail miles and obstacle checkpoints.
Squad Colors
2. Full-Size American Flag
The squad's national colors carried high on a tactical staff throughout the entire course, including open trails, forested paths, and water crossings. Never allowed to touch the ground.
2026 Directive
3. Combat Service Rifle
An issued replica combat service rifle (M16/M4 training model) carried by the squad point runner. Must remain in squad custody and cross the finish line intact.
TROPHY CUSTODY REGULATIONS
- Roster Integrity: All four team members must belong to or be affiliated with the representing organization.
- Equipment Rules: All standard safety and course gear rules (e.g. ammo cans, flags) apply. Any team finishing missing gear is disqualified from the cup scoring.
- Trophy Defense: The winning captain agrees to hold and display the trophy at their facility and return it in clean condition by September 15, 2027.
Questions about registering your department, ROTC detachment, or gym team?
CONTACT CUP DIRECTOR