Event Description

The Battle of Mogadishu was part of Operation Gothic Serpent. It was fought on 3–4 October 1993, in Mogadishu, Somalia, between forces of the United States—supported by UNOSOM II—and Somali militiamen loyal to the self-proclaimed president-to-be Mohamed Farrah Aidid.  The initial operation of 3 October 1993, intended to last an hour, became an overnight standoff and rescue operation extending into the daylight hours of 4 October.

On 3 October 1993, Task Force Ranger began an operation that involved traveling from their compound on the city's outskirts to the center with the aim of capturing the leaders of the Habar Gidir clan, led by Mohamed Farrah Aidid.  Shortly after the assault began, Somali militia and armed civilian fighters shot down two MH-60L Black Hawk helicopters. The subsequent operation to secure and recover the crews of both helicopters extended the initial operation into an overnight standoff and daylight rescue operation on 4 October. The battle resulted in 19 deaths, 73 wounded and one helicopter pilot captured among the U.S. raid party and rescue forces.

Army Master Sgt. Gary Gordon, and his comrade, Army Sgt. 1st Class Randall Shughart were posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for their actions.

The Battle of Mogadishu Virtual Race benefits the Gary Gordon Medal of Honor Memorial through the Special Forces Charitable Trust, to support the construction of a memorial for Master Sergeant Gary Gordon, MOH.  It is our pleasure to announce that $20 from each registration of the Battle of Mogadishu Virtual Race will be donated directly to the Special Forces Charitable Trust. 

This Virtual Race can be completed wherever you are, and to any distance or discipline that you desire.  You will be mailed an awesome event bib and commemorative finishers medal! Additionally, if you are interested in purchasing a shirt, please register before September 11.