Operation DRAGONS DANCE 2025

Operation DRAGONS DANCE

May 10, 2025 | Pisgah National Forest, NC, USA

Distance: 26 +/- miles

Weight: 20 lbs dry

Elevation: 5,696 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 2025 at 0630 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025, 2025 at 0700 hrs

Start Location: Parking near Art Loeb Trailhead, NC

Event Finish Time: Saturday, May 10, 2025 at 1900 hrs

Finish Location: Parking near Art Loeb Trailhead, NC

Situation

Operation DRAGONS DANCE is one of our best-known events, covering approximately 26 miles in the Pisgah National Forest with a 20 lb dry weight. Known for its dense woodlands and breathtaking mountain views, Pisgah Forest offers a challenging and scenic backdrop for this grueling event. Operation DRAGONS DANCE is also the final test route for our version of Special Forces Selection: Operation STIRLING.

Mission

Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 26 +/- mile route in under 12 hours to pass and under 10 hours to earn the GBF Operation DRAGONS DANCE Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Parking near Art Loeb Trailhead. At 0630 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0700 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 DRAGONS DANCE is here.

Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 20 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 (or similar water filtration system)
• 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 is one checkpoint / water point at Pink Beds Trail Loop. You must be at this checkpoint in under 5 hours to continue.

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 50. Minimum number of candidates 15.

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.