The Mogadishu Mile 5K will take place in Irving, Texas on Saturday, October 5th, as a portion of a 20th anniversary Task Force Ranger Reunion.   Participants will run alongside actual members of Task Force Ranger as a tribute to those lost but never forgotten.  Proceeds from the event will benefit the Special Operations Warrior Foundation.

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The Mogadishu Mile refers to a route that was run by American Rangers and Delta Force soldiers from a helicopter crash site to an appointed rally point held by the 10th Mountain Division on National Street during the Battle of Mogadishu on October 4, 1993 (popularly known as the “Black Hawk Down” incident).

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Originally the troops were supposed to take cover by running alongside a convoy of Humvees and armored personnel carriers; however, when the convoy failed to understand that the vehicles were needed for cover, they left them and the soldiers were forced to run without support and with very little ammunition.

The organizers of this year’s Mogadishu Mile 5K Run event are proud to announce the participation and assistance of Jeff Struecker – a former U.S. Army Ranger who served during the Battle of Mogadishu in 1993.  Jeff has been an instrumental element in bringing the 20th Annual Mogadishu Mile Memorial 5K to Irving, Texas.

In the 1993 Battle of Mogadishu, Struecker was a 24-year-old Sergeant and squad leader assigned to Task Force Ranger as a part of the 75th Ranger Regiment. It was he who led the 3-vehicle convoy through intense fire, to return wounded Ranger Pvt. Todd Blackburn to base. Struecker’s combat experience also includes Operation Just Cause – Panama, Operation Desert Storm – Iraq, Operation Restore Hope – Somalia, and more than a dozen combat tours in Afghanistan and Iraq.

The Saturday, October 5 event will include the following activities:

  • One mile walk through Heroes’ Alley in which participants will have the opportunity to pay tribute to the heroes lost, as well as reflect on the mile movement the soldiers of Task Force Ranger were forced to complete.
  • 5K race, which can be walked or run.
  • Jay Johnson’s Boot Camp will allow participants to get an Infantry-style workout from Jay Johnson, prior service member and current Trainer and Selection Judge for the Dallas Cowboys Cheeerleaders.
  • Vendor tents will give participants and supporters a chance to see products and companies that are supporting the event.

EVENT LOCATION

Williams Square – 5221 N. O’Connor Blvd., Irving, TX 75039

EVENT AGENDA

  • 8:00AM     One mile walk through Heroes’ Alley
  • 8:45AM    Opening ceremony
  • 9:15AM    5K walk/run begins
  • 10:45AM    Award ceremony

HOW TO HELP

Register to participate, sponsor, make a donation, volunteer or spread the word.

Learn more about the event and how to help at: MogadishuMile.com

Find The Mogadishu Mile on Facebook at:  Mogadishu-Mile-5k-Run

 

ABOUT THE SPECIAL OPERATIONS WARRIOR FOUNDATION

The Special Operations Warrior Foundation is a top-rated nonprofit organization that provides support to the families of fallen and wounded special operations personnel. Two primary programs: College educations to the children of fallen Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps special operations personnel, and Immediate financial assistance to the families of severely wounded special operations troops. www.specialops.org