Operation WASHINGTON

Operation WASHINGTON

August 16, 2025 | Mount Washington, NH, USA

Distance: 10 / 20 +/- miles

Weight: 20 lbs dry

Elevation: 4,790 / 10,774 +/- elevation gain

Brief Start Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 0630 hrs

Event Start Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 0700 hrs

Start Location: Huntington Ravine Trailhead, NH

Event Finish Time: Saturday, August 16, 2025 at 1700 hrs

Finish Location: Huntington Ravine Trailhead, NH

Situation

Our two Operation WASHINGTON events are for serious challenge seekers. Even the "mini" is an ass kicker with almost 5,000 ft gain in 10 miles. The longer route, 20 miles with over 10,000 ft of elevation, is probably one of our toughest events of 2025. At least you'll be in the beautiful scenery of Mount Washington, where the state park offers stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and rugged terrain. This iconic location is known for its dramatic weather and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it a fitting backdrop for these intense challenges.

Mission

Operation WASHINGTON MINI. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 10 +/- mile route in under 6 hours to pass and under 4.5 hours (27 min per mile) to earn the GBF Operation WASHINGTON MINI Dog Tag.

Operation WASHINGTON. Candidates must carry 20 lbs (dry weight) and complete the 20 +/- mile route in under 9 hours to pass and under 8 hours (24 min per mile) to earn the GBF Operation WASHINGTON Dog Tag. The winner will earn the elite Gold Dog Tag.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the Huntington Ravine 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 WASHINGTON MINI is here.

The route for Operation WASHINGTON 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
• Warm Jacket
• Warm Hat
• Gloves

Strongly Recommended

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

Dress. Candidates' dress will be a personal choice. The weather at Mount Washington can be very changeable. Ensure you have suitable gear.

Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route. There is water at the top of Mount Washington.

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 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.