Operation PAWS (Virginia Beach)

Operation PAWS (Virginia Beach)

Distance: Optional (3, 5, or 8 miles)

Brief Start Time: Saturday 4th October 2025 at 0800 hrs

Event Start time: Saturday 4th October 2025 at 0830 hrs

Start Location: Trail Centre, First Landing State Park, VA

Event Finish Time: Saturday 4th October 2025 at 1330 hrs

Finish Location: Trail Centre, First Landing State Park, VA

Situation

Operation PAWS is about helping local animal shelters and the animals who call it (temporary) home. At GBF we love our hiking partners with paws, so we teamed up to help the animals who need it most.

This Operation PAWS takes place in the First Landing State Park.

Mission

Operation PAWS mission is to walk, ruck, or run one of three set routes (3, 5, or 8 miles), and donate supplies to for the local animal shelters.

Execution

Candidates will meet at the First Landing State Park Parking Lot parking area.

At 0800 hrs, GBF Staff will give an event brief before answering any questions and releasing the candidates to begin the route at 0830 hrs.

There is a generous 4 hour time limit for Operation PAWS and candidates and their pups are free to go at their own pace. Please ensure you download the route. The 8 mile route will be lead by a member of the GBF team.

Service Support

- Mapping. GBF events use the AllTrails app for navigation. To download the route from AllTrails, you will need to sign up for a membership. GBF suggests candidate have a paper map, compass, and GPS too.

- Routes. Please download the routes for offline use.

     Operation PAWS 8 miles is HERE.

     Operation PAWS 5 miles is HERE.

     Operation PAWS 3 miles is HERE.

- Weight. Weight is optional. You can walk, jog, or run the event without any weight. If you want to ruck, you can make the weight up of items to donate to the animal shelter - dog food, cat litter etc. You can find a generic list of what animal shelters require HERE.

- Checkpoints. There are no checkpoints on this route.

- Water. There will be bottled water at the start / finish point. Candidates should carry enough water to last the route.

- Medical. A personal medical kit is required by every candidate. GBF Staff must be made aware of any medical conditions prior to starting the event.

Command and Signal

GBF HQ: 941-993-9432