On Saturday, Sept. 30, the Airborne and Special Operations Museum Foundation is hosting the Mogadishu Mile 5K, a poignant event dedicated to paying tribute to the heroes who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Battle of Mogadishu. Also known as ‘Black Hawk Down' or Operation GOTHIC SERPENT, the Battle of Mogadishu occurred 30 years ago.

Legacy and Lesson Learned

In the annals of modern military history, the Battle of Mogadishu, remains etched as a tragic and heroic event. The battle, which took place on Oct. 3 and 4, 1993, was a harrowing clash between the U.S. and United Nations forces against Somali militias and armed civilians in Mogadishu, Somalia.

This operation sought to capture key lieutenants of the Somali National Alliance and restore order to a war-torn city. However, what transpired was a grueling firefight that resulted in significant loss of life and countless injuries. Operation Gothic Serpent was part of a larger United Nations peacekeeping mission, UNOSOM II, aimed at stabilizing Somalia, which had descended into chaos following a civil war.

On the fateful day of Oct. 3, 1993, a group of U.S. Army Rangers and Delta Force operatives set out to capture several high-ranking lieutenants of a Somali warlord, Mohamed Farrah Aidid. The mission, however, took a perilous turn when two UH-60 Black Hawk helicopters were shot down by RPGs.

The unexpected downing of helicopters and the subsequent intense urban firefight changed the course of the mission, resulting in unforeseen consequences. The heroism and sacrifice of the soldiers who fought in Mogadishu are immortalized in military history. Their bravery, resilience and dedication to their fellow soldiers continue to inspire generations of military personnel and the broader public.

In memory of those lost, we honor their sacrifice and reflect on the lessons learned from this tragic and pivotal event in American military history.

The Mogadishu Mile’s 5K Objective

The "Mogadishu Mile" refers to a route traversed by U.S. Army Rangers and Special Forces soldiers from a helicopter crash site to a designated rally point held by the 10th Mountain Division on National Street during the Battle of Mogadishu, Oct. 3, 1993.

This heroic journey served as the inspiration for the impactful 2001 movie, Black Hawk Down. The MOG Mile 5K is a symbolic event and is not a timed race. It is devoid of prizes or recognitions for the top finishers.
Age groupings have not been considered, allowing participants to traverse the route at their own pace. Registration cost for this event is $40.00, plus a $3.40 service fee. This event is open to individuals aged 18 and above.

Children under 18 can join at no cost, provided they are accompanied by a registered adult. The registration period will close at 11:59 p.m. on Sept. 28th. The location for the event is the Airborne and Special Operations Museum in downtown Fayetteville.

Sign-up at https://runsignup.com/Race/Events/NC/Fayetteville/MogadishuMile5K For those who wish to contribute without participating in the race, there is an option to "Sleep In and Donate." By choosing this option, participants will still receive a Mogadishu Mile T-shirt. Interested individuals can share their preferences by emailing info@asomf.org.

Join in honoring the brave individuals who demonstrated unparalleled courage and sacrifice in the face of adversity during the Battle of Mogadishu. Let us stand united as a community to pay tribute and commemorate their valor.