Operation STAUNTON

Operation STAUNTON

September 20, 2025 | Staunton State Park, CO, USA

Distance: 6.5 / 11 / 17.5 / 21.5 +/- miles

Weight: 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 lbs dry

Elevation: 1,099 / 2,018 / 2,726 / 3,625 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 0730 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 0800 hrs

Start Location: Staunton State Park - Upper Parking Lot, CO

Event Finish Time: Saturday, September 20, 2025 at 1800 hrs

Finish Location: Staunton State Park - Upper Parking Lot, CO

Situation

Operation STAUNTON takes place at Staunton State Park, a stunning location just 45 minutes from Denver. Known for its dramatic rock formations, dense forests, and beautiful meadows, the park offers a perfect blend of rugged terrain and breathtaking scenery. This joint event with Green Beret Fitness, Kifaru, Refuge Medical, and Born Primitive Tactical donates 100% of its profits to the Special Forces Foundation. The Special Forces Foundation provides immediate and ongoing support to Special Forces soldiers and their families.

Candidates can choose from four events, including the usual MINI and MAX, but this time we also have an SF event for the real thrill seekers and challenge junkies. Covering over 21 miles with over 3,600 ft in elevation, and completed with a 40+ lb pack, it's not for the faint-hearted. Welcome to the ultimate test of grit and endurance.

Candidates can choose what they pay for tickets, ensuring everyone can participate and contribute to this worthy cause.

Mission

Operation STAUNTON MINI. Candidates must carry 10 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 6.5 +/- mile route in under 4 hours to pass and under 2 hours to earn the GBF Operation STAUNTON Dog Tag.

Operation STAUNTON. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 11 +/- mile route in under 5 hours to pass and under 3 hours to earn the GBF Operation STAUNTON Dog Tag.

Operation STAUNTON MAX. Candidates must carry 30 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 17.5 +/- mile route in under 7 hours to pass and under 5 hours to earn the GBF Operation STAUNTON Dog Tag.

Operation STAUNTON (SF). Candidates must carry 40 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 21.5 +/- mile route in under 9 hours to pass and under 7 hours to earn the GBF Operation STAUNTON Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Staunton State Park - Upper 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 STAUNTON MINI is here.

The route for Operation STAUNTON is here.

The route for Operation STAUNTON MAX is here.

The route for Operation STAUNTON (SF) is here.

Weight. Candidates must carry a minimum of 10 / 20 / 30 / 40 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) we suggest Kifaru Packs.
• 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)
• Change of clothes
• Folding chair if staying after

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice. Born Primitive clothing is ideal for this terrain.

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 100. 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.