Rise Thermopylae
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Status
The event was listed as cancelled for the April 18, 2026 date. Registration had previously closed and the event page shows the event as cancelled.
Event overview
RISE: Thermopylae was planned as a hybrid immersive personal development endurance event on private land near Raphine, VA, at the base of the Allegheny Mountains and bordering George Washington National Forest. The site described over 160 acres of rugged terrain and challenge zones.
Format and tiers
The event was offered in three timed tiers:
- 6H - Intro tier
- 12H - Extended endurance test
- 24H - Full endurance tier
Participants were to navigate a marked backcountry loop with structured challenge zones. The format combined ruck evolutions, obstacle elements, water crossings, single-track trail, sandbag work, and tasks that include push, pull, carry, climb, crawl, and drag while carrying required weighted loads.
What to expect
The program included cadre-led guidance, leadership and communication drills, mental and emotional resilience evolutions, and memory or performance tests under stress. Sleep was described as highly limited in longer tiers. Finishers would receive tier-specific patches, a color-coded shirt, and a completion dog tag; top male and female performances were to receive a custom-forged RISE blade.
Logistics and policies
Packet pickup was scheduled the day before at a retail location in Pantops, Charlottesville, with onsite check-in on race day. The stated refund policy allowed no refunds within 60 days, partial credit beyond 90 days, and a two-year credit for certain duty or medical deferrals. Visit the organization's website for the most recent information.
