Operation BUCKEYE
Sat, Apr 05
|Brecksville
Trailblaze the Buckeye


Time & Location
Apr 05, 2025, 7:30 AM – 2:00 PM
Brecksville, 8263 Chippewa Rd, Brecksville, OH 44141, USA
About the Event
Operation BUCKEYE
April 05, 2025 | Brecksville, Ohio, USA
Distance: 13 +/- miles
Weight: 10 / 25 / 50 lbs dry
Elevation: 978 +/- elevation gain
Brief Start Time: Saturday, April 05, 2025 at 0730 hrs
Event Start Time: Saturday, April 05, 2025 at 0800 hrs
Start Location: Chippewa Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook Parking Lot, OH
Event Finish Time: Saturday, April 05, 2025 at 1400 hrs
Finish Location: Chippewa Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook Parking Lot, OH
Situation
Operation BUCKEYE takes on the famous Buckeye Trail in Cleveland, Ohio, winding through the scenic Cuyahoga Valley National Park. This event features a single 13-mile route with three weight options to choose from: 10, 25, or 50 lbs. Candidates will experience the beauty of the national park while pushing their limits on this challenging ruck.
Mission
Operation BUCKEYE LIGHT. Candidates must carry 10 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 13 +/- mile route in under 3.5 hours to pass and under 2.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation BUCKEYE LIGHT Dog Tag.
Operation BUCKEYE. Candidates must carry 25 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 13 +/- mile route in under 4 hours to pass and under 3 hours to earn the GBF Operation BUCKEYE Dog Tag.
Operation BUCKEYE HEAVY. Candidates must carry 50 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 13 +/- mile route in under 5 hours to pass and under 3.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation BUCKEYE HEAVY Dog Tag.
Execution
Candidates will meet at the Chippewa Creek Gorge Scenic Overlook Parking Lot. At 0730 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0800 hours.
Service Support
Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidates have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.
Route. Ensure you download the map for offline use. Cell service is not guaranteed. The route for Operation BUCKEYE is here.
Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 10 / 25 / 50 lbs dry (i.e. without food and water) in a backpack. Weight vests or sandbags are not permitted.
Equipment
Mandatory Equipment
- Backpack (waterproof inner-bags)
- Phone (fully charged)
- Phone charger
- LifeStraw
- Head Torch (spare batteries)
- Hydration bladder(s)
- Whistle
- Compass
- Emergency rations (see below)
- Emergency shelter
- Personal First Aid Kit
Strongly Recommended
- Maps (waterproofed)
- GPS
- Blister kit
- Pocket knife
- Chem-light/Cyalume
- Hiking poles
- MRE(s)
Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.
Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route.
Water. There will be bottled water at the finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route distance plus 3 additional miles, in case they get lost.
Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 energy bars and 0.5 liters of water as emergency rations.
Medical. Every candidate requires a personal medical kit. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions before starting the event.
Transportation. Transport to and from the event will be at the candidate's arrangement.
Command and Signal. GBF HQ: 941-993-9432
The Fine Print
Numbers. Maximum number of candidates 30. Minimum number of candidates 10.
Refunds. Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher to use towards future events. Refunds must be requested 30 days before the event start date.
Event Changes. Slight changes to any event including, but not limited to route changes, brief times, start locations, and other details are under the discretion of GBF Staff.
Tickets
Operation BUCKEYE LIGHT
$75.00Tax: +$5.25 Tax+$2.01 service feeOperation BUCKEYE HEAVY
$75.00Tax: +$5.25 Tax+$2.01 service feeOperation BUCKEYE
$75.00Tax: +$5.25 Tax+$2.01 service fee
Total
$0.00