Operation FIVE ZERO 2025

Operation FIVE ZERO

July 11, 2025 | Salt Lake City, Utah, USA

Distance: 50 +/- miles

Weight: 20 lbs dry

Elevation: 9,682 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1830 hrs

Event Start Time: Friday, July 11, 2025 at 1900 hrs

Start Location: Vivian Park Trailhead, Provo, UT

Event Finish Time: Saturday, July 12, 2025 at 1900 hrs

Finish Location: Vivian Park Trailhead, Provo, UT

Situation

Operation FIVE ZERO is one of our most ambitious events, featuring almost 10,000 ft of elevation gain in the Provo Mountains of Utah. This mountainous region is known for its rugged terrain and breathtaking vistas, providing a challenging backdrop for this epic event. Climbing to over 9,500 ft in altitude, Operation FIVE ZERO is a true test of endurance and grit. Participants have 24 hours to complete the course, with those finishing in under 20 hours earning the prestigious GBF dog tag.

Mission

Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 50 +/- mile route in under 24 hours to pass and under 20 hours to earn the GBF Operation FIVE ZERO Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Vivian Park Trailhead. At 1830 hours, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 1900 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 FIVE ZERO 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
• Micro Spikes

Strongly Recommended

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• Pocket knife
• Chem-light/Cyalume
• Hiking poles
• MRE(s)

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice. It can get cold at this altitude.

Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route but there will be water drop points.

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 20. 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.