Operation RUSHMORE

Operation RUSHMORE MAX

Operation RUSHMORE

Operation RUSHMORE MINI

Distance:

• Operation RUSHMORE MAX - 22 +/- miles
• Operation RUSHMORE - 16 +/- miles
• Operation RUSHMORE MINI - 12 +/- miles

Brief Start Time: Saturday 28th September 2024 at 0700 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday 28th September 2024 at at 0730 hrs

Start Location: Palmer Creek Trailhead, Hill City, South Dakota

Event Finish Time: Saturday 28th September 2024 at at 1800 hrs

Finish Location: Palmer Creek Trailhead, Hill City, South Dakota

Situation

Operation RUSHMORE takes you into the Black Elk Wilderness. Only 20 minutes from Mount Rushmore National Monument, and less than two hours from the famous Badlands National Park, this is one experience you can’t afford to miss. You’ll get to explore Black Elk Peak and Sylvan Lake; two places you’ll never forget.

Operation RUSHMORE MAX is 22 +/- miles with just over 4,600 ft of elevation gain

Operation RUSHMORE is 16 +/- miles with just over 3,300 ft of elevation gain.

Operation RUSHMORE MINI is 12 +/- miles with just over 2,700 ft of elevation gain.

Mission

Operation RUSHMORE MAX

Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 22 +/- mile route in under 10 hours to pass and under 8 hours to earn the GBF Operation RUSHMORE MAX Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Operation RUSHMORE

Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 16 +/- mile route in under 9 hours to pass and under 7 hours to earn the GBF Operation RUSHMORE Dog Tag.

Operation RUSHMORE MINI

Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 12 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to pass and under 4.5 hours to earn the GBF Operation RUSHMORE MINI Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Palmer Creek Trailhead parking area.

At 0700 hrs, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0730 hrs.

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 route for offline use.

Operation RUSHMORE MAX route is HERE.

Operation RUSHMORE route is HERE.

Operation RUSHMORE MINI route is HERE.

- Weight.

Operation RUSHMORE MAX - 20 lbs (without food and water) in a backpack.

Operation RUSHMORE - 20 lbs (without food and water) in a backpack.

Operation RUSHMORE MINI - 20 lbs (without food and water) in a backpack.

- Equipment.

This list is mandatory.

• 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

This list is strongly recommended:

• Maps (waterproofed)
• GPS
• Blister kit
• Pocket knife
• Chem-light/cyalume
• Microspikes (if there is snow / ice at the top (very likely) you will require these)
• Hiking poles (if there is snow / ice at the top (very likely) you will require these)
• MRE(s)

- Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice.

- Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on these routes but there are bathrooms at Sylvan lake on Operation RUSHMORE and Operation RUSHMORE MAX.

- Water. There will be bottled water at the start / finish point. There are no water resupply points. Candidates should carry enough water to last the distance they require +3 miles, in case they get lost. The use of a LifeStraw is highly recommended.

- Rations. Candidates should have a minimum of 3 x energy bars and 0.5 litres of water as emergency rations.

- Medical. A personal medical kit is required by every candidate. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions prior to starting the event.

- Transport. Transport to and from the event will be at candidates own arrangement.

Command and Signal

GBF HQ: info@GreenBeretFitness.com

Numbers - Maximum number of candidates 40. Minimum number of candidates 10.

Cost.

Operation RUSHMORE MAX - $125

Operation RUSHMORE - $105

Operation RUSHMORE MINI - $85

Refunds - Refunds will be in the form of a GBF voucher for future events. Refunds within 30 days of an event will not be possible.