Cancelled Event

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELLED

RISE: THERMOPYLAE BACKYARD ENDURANCE RACE

Hybrid Immersive Personal Development Endurance Event (HIPDEE) – 24H

Are you ready to confront your limits—mentally, physically, emotionally, and psychologically?

RISE: Thermopylae is more than a race—it’s a crucible. A full-contact, mind-body-soul experience that merges ultra-endurance suffering with terrain, water crossings, single-track, obstacles, and results in personal transformation no matter how far you last. This is not your typical endurance event. It’s one you’ll never forget.

Set in the rugged backcountry of the Allegheny Mountains and bordering George Washington National Forest, Thermopylae blends physical effort, unique psychological challenges, and rigorous tests of endurance into one high-impact experience. Think Barkley Marathon, meets Spartan Race, meets Backyard Ultra, meets Go-Ruck Selection.

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DO HARD THINGS:

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Hard start. Hard stop. Discover your edge.

-Access to pit area
-Following marked course of 1.4 miles
-Rugged terrain, steep elevations
-Similar to Ultra-style format w/additional built-in obstacles
-General guidance from Race Staff

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A test of endurance, focus, and deep internal grit.
Addition of Sandbag evolutions (sandbag & sand provided)
-Interaction with Race Coaches at designated evolutions
No rest. No retreat. A modern-day Thermopylae. Expect a fusion of ruck events, selection-style testing, and obstacle course brutality—with the added layer of emotional and psychological depth. Completions unlock future RISE progression, exclusive gear, and access to higher-tier events.
-Structured challenge zones
-Carrying weighted loads and performing challenging tasks (push, pull, carry, climb, crawl, drag, endure)
-Cold water, mud, elements exposure
-Mental & memory performance tests under intensive physical and psychological stress
-Intensive (ie. loud, aggressive, purposeful) verbal cues & motivation
-Emotional resilience evolutions designed to push the boundaries of the human mind and body.

WHAT TO EXPECT

Course Markings: Trails clearly marked and staff-led guidance at specific locations
Race Staff: Experienced leadership, tactical, and endurance professionals pushing you to your best
Rucks & Loads: Weight requirements based on event tier (detailed in gear list)
Sleep: What is that?
Debriefs: Honest, raw post-evolution feedback to inspire growth and transformation

PACKING LIST

PACKING LIST:
-Basic aid will be provided (water/electrolytes/fruit station)
-Personal nutrition
-Personal medical supplies
-Bug / Sunscreen Protection
-Hydration bladder, bottle, canteen, etc.
-Small journal, pen/pencil, gallon size ziplock
-Ruck w/20lb(M) or 10lb(F) -plate or sandbag - fill sand available onsite

SWAG + GEAR

Finisher patch (tier-specific)
Exclusive RISE: Thermopylae shirt (color-coded by tier)
Top male/female finishers (longest distance) receive a custom-forged RISE blade

REGISTRATION + PACKET INFO

RISE Thermopylae is intentionally priced for accessibility. Prices increase as the event date approaches.
Early commitment = better rate + more gear perks.

Event Date: Saturday, April 18, 2026
Location: Raphine, VA — Private, secluded location at the base of the Allegheny Mountains / GW National Forest. Over 160+ acres of rugged terrain, mountain views, and pristine challenge zones.

Maps, packing lists, and prep info will be emailed after registration.

Packet Pickup
Friday, April 17th – 12:00–4:00 PM at Giant Food Store, Pantops (Charlottesville, VA)
Saturday (Race Day) – Onsite check-in opens at 0600

REFUND / CREDIT POLICY

Within 60 days of the event: No refunds, transfers, or deferments
More than 90 days out: 50% credit toward any future RISE/Thermopylae event
Full 2-year credit for military, first responder duty, or pregnancy deferral

Event's current local time: 10:49 PM ET