On 3–4 Oct 1993 U.S. Army Rangers of the 3rd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, as part of Task Force Ranger, fast-roped into the city of Mogadishu, Somalia to capture key lieutenants of warlord Mohamed Farrah Aidid. What began as a short raid quickly escalated when Somali militia shot down two Black Hawk helicopters with RPGs. Rangers fought through intense urban combat, securing the target buildings, defending the crash sites, and protecting wounded comrades while surrounded by determined enemy forces throughout the night. Despite heavy casualties and relentless attacks, the Rangers held their ground until a relief column fought its way into the city, after which many Rangers ran under fire to reach the armored vehicles in what became known as the Mogadishu Mile. Their courage and sacrifice in one of the most intense urban battles in modern U.S. military history demonstrated the same warrior spirit that defines the Rangers today: RANGERS LEAD THE WAY!
The Mogadishu Mile Run honors that legacy.
The Mogadishu Mile is part of the Ranger Memorial Triad. Runners who run all three races in a year will receive a free triad T-shirt and medal. If you missed Roger's Ranger Run in March, it's not too late. You can sign up for the remote (virtual) race, send in your results, and still receive credit!
The Mogadishu Mile 10K begins at 8 am on 14 Mar 2026 and is an out-and-back race on a paved trail.
The Mogadishu Mile 5K begins at 8:15 am on 14 Mar 2026 and is an out-and-back race on a paved trail.
The Mogadishu Children's 1 mile Fun Run begins tentatively at 9:15 am on 14 Mar 2026 and is an out-and-back race on a paved trail.
The timing is designed to allow parents to run in another race and also assist their children in running the fun run; therefore the fun run will not begin until all parents have completed the other races. (Parents do not need to register for the children's fun run to run with or pace their children, unless they want a shirt and finishers medal).
All races begin at Ascarate Park. Enter the park and follow instructions for parking.
Packet pick-up is from 5:30-8:30 pm on 2 Oct 2026 at 3625 Douglas Ave, El Paso, TX 79903.
Same-day registration and same-day packet pick-up will be at 6:30-7:45 am 3 Oct 2026 at Ascarate Park.
All 5K/10K racers will receive a T-shirt and a finishers' medal (sizes not guaranteed after 30 May 2026).
