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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
50 Miles in 24 Hours - Are You Ready!
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What is a Yomp?Yomp stands for “Your Own March Pace.” A Yomp is a long-distance military hike conducted at each participant’s own pace. With an emphasis on long-distance endurance events to build comradery and inspire healing, since 2013, Allied Forces Foundation (AFF) has sponsored hundreds of U.S. and Allied Partner Active Military Members and Veterans in the 50-mile Cateran Yomp held every June in the Scottish Highlands. This challenging event epitomizes AFF’s motto “Fight Together. Heal Together. Side by Side.”
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What is the Warrior Yomp?AFF is brining the Yomp to the U.S.! A first for the U.S., Warrior Yomp will enable participants from all backgrounds to experience the Yomp challenge and sense of pride and accomplishment upon completion. Whether you complete Bronze (25 miles), Silver (36 miles), or Gold (50 miles) you will have accomplished an amazing feat and supported our Veteran community.
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Is the Warrior Yomp a Race?No. The Warrior Yomp is intended to be a personal and/or team challenge in which your only competition is you, the distance, and time. The challenge is to finish the Bronze (25 miles), Silver (36 miles), or Gold (50 miles) stage in 24 hours or less. There are no prizes for finishing first.
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Why Take Part?Sign up with friends, family, and colleagues to experience an unforgettable weekend while raising money for wounded, ill, and injured Military Members and Veterans. Whichever distance you choose, you will test both your physical and mental limits while hiking through breathtaking scenery and our nation’s capital. Don’t worry if you don’t have a team. Part of the Yomp experience is meeting fellow Yompers along the trail. We will group individuals of similar abilities during the wave start. Check out our Facebook page (facebook.com/alliedforcesfoundation) to connect with others who will be Yomping the amazing trail.
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When is the 2024 Warrior Yomp?The Inaugural Warrior Yomp will take place 16-17 November 2024. The start and finish is at Gravelly Point, just north of DCA airport. See the Route Map for more details.
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When does registration open?Registration is OPEN! Sign up here. Warrior Yomp Registration
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Does the Yomp sell out?Yes! The Inaugural Yomp participation is limited and expected to sell out. Please purchase your registration early.
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How long do I have to complete the In-Person Warrior Yomp?You must complete the Yomp within 24 hours from your start time. In order to move on from the Bronze Checkpoint (25 miles) to Silver (36 miles), you must depart the Bronze Checkpoint by 8pm on Saturday, 16 November 2024. In order to move on from the Silver Checkpoint (36 miles) to Gold (50 miles), you must depart the Silver Checkpoint by 2am on Sunday, 17 November 2024.
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What is the Warrior Yomp Timeline?Friday, 15 November 1200 Packet Pickup at Military Women’s Memorial Opens 1700 Packet Pickup at Military Women’s Memorial Ends Saturday, 16 November 0730 Warrior Yomp Check-In Open at Gravelly Point 0730 Shuttle Pickup at Crystal Drive and 23rd Street South 0750 Shuttle Pickup at Crystal Drive and 23rd Street South 0810 Shuttle Pickup at Crystal Drive and 23rd Street South 0815 Welcome/Opening Remarks 0830 First Wave Departs 0840 Second Wave Departs 0850 Third Wave Departs 1500 As Needed, Shuttles Depart from Bronze to Gravelly Point/Crystal City 1653 Sunset 1800 Warrior Yomp Night Access Pass Valid for Parking at Gravelly Point 2100 As Needed, Shuttles Depart from Silver to Gravelly Point/Crystal City 2000 Latest Time to Depart Bronze for Silver Sunday, 17 November 0200 Latest Time to Depart Silver for Gold 0645 Sunrise 0900 Latest Arrival Time at Gold
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How difficult is the Yomp route?Aside from the distance, the Yomp route difficulty is Easy. The route is relatively flat with a few small hills. The total elevation change from the lowest point (-35.3 feet) to the highest point (29.3 feet) is 64.6 feet. The route is a combination of blacktop, sidewalk, trail, and packed dirt.
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How will I obtain my bib and Yomp packet?In-Person registered Yompers must pick up their Yomp packets from the Military Women’s Memorial on Friday, 15 November between noon and 5pm. The Warrior Yomp Packet will contain a bib, Yomp t-shirt, bag, and so much more! There is no packet pickup on race day.
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How will I obtain my Yomp Medal?Yomp medals will distributed at your final checkpoint. For example, if you conclude your Yomp at the Bronze Checkpoint, you will be awarded a Bronze medal at the Bronze Checkpoint. If you proceed onto Silver but do not make it to the Silver Checkpoint, check in with a Yomp Volunteer. They will ensure you receive your Bronze medal.
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How can I confirm my registration?Each Yomper will receive a Receipt of Registration Confirmation after each registration has been completed to the email used during registration. If you do not receive a receipt to your given email, please contact kelly@alliedforcesfoundation.org and our staff will assist you.
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What happens if it rains?Warrior Yomp will be held rain or shine. Registration is final sale, there are no refunds.
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Does the Warrior Yomp offer deferrals, cancellations, or refunds?The Warrior Yomp does not offer registration deferrals, cancellations or refunds. The only exceptions to this policy are Military Members on official deployment orders. This applies to you, contact us at wy@alliedforcesfoundation.org.
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Where do I pick up my bib number and Yomp Packet?Yomp Packet Pick-Up will be held at the Military Women’s Memorial (MWM) from noon until 5pm on Friday, 15 November 2024. The Military Women’s Memorial is located at the ceremonial entrance to Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Avenue and Schley Drive, Arlington, VA. For MWM transportation, parking, and additional information, visit the MWM website at www.militarywomesmemorial.org.
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What if I can’t make it to the MWM between noon and 5pm on Friday, 15 November 24, to pick up my Yomp Packet?Yomp Packets must be picked up on Friday, 15 November 24, between noon and 5pm. If you cannot personally pick up your Yomp Packet, you may have a family member or friend pick it up for you. Yomp Packets will not be distributed on Saturday, 16 November 24. If you need additional assistance, email WY@alliedforcesfoundation.org soonest.
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Is there a Packing List / Required Items for the Yomp?Yes. At the start, all Yompers must have their bib number located in a highly visible place. This is for identification and safety purposes. While there will be snacks and water along the route, all Yompers must carry sufficient water for a minimum of 10 miles and are encouraged to carry personal snacks. The weather in November is unpredictable and will likely vary throughout the day. Be sure to pack appropriate cold and wet weather gear. Yompers should also carry a fully charged cell phone (for emergency purposes). Cell phone chargers and sunscreen are highly recommended. In order to depart Bronze, in addition to the above, all Yompers MUST have a working headlamp. In addition to your headlamp, AFF will provide you a glow stick for identification and safety purposes. Bib Number Water for 10 Miles Cell Phone Cold / Wet Weather Clothing Headlamp (required when leaving Bronze) Glow Stick (required when leaving Bronze – AFF provided) Snacks (optional) Sunscreen (optional)
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Wave StartYompers will be assigned a wave start time based their projected goal (Bronze, Silver or Gold) and finish time. All participants must have an official Warrior Yomp bib to access the start line.
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Can I register for the In Person Yomp on Saturday, 16 November 24?No. Registration for the In Person Yomp closes on Friday, 8 November 24. If you missed the registration deadline, sign up for the Virtual Yomp! If you need additional assistance, contact WY@alliedforcesfoundation.org soonest.
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Will there be a bag drop?Yes. Yompers will have the opportunity to drop a bag at the start. AFF will transport your bag to Bronze where it will be waiting for your arrival. AFF will transport bags to Silver and/or Gold for Yompers who decide to continue past Bronze. If you want your bag transported to Silver/Gold, be sure to check you bag with a Yomp Volunteer before departing for the next stage. Bag drop is at your own risk. Do not put valuables in your drop bag. AFF is not responsible for lost or missing items.
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Is there a mandatory uniform?No. While Yomper are encouraged to wear their Warrior Yomp T-shirt or Sweatshirt (click here to place an order), we want you to be comfortable. Yompers are encouraged to wear comfortable, weather appropriate clothing and broken in trail/running shoes or boots. Do NOT wear new shoes.
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Who do I contact if there is an emergency?The entire route has cell phone coverage. If you have a medical emergency, dial 911. If you need non-emergency help, dial the non-emergency number listed on the back of your bib. We will have medical support at Bronze, Silver, and Gold as well as mobile medical along the route. If an emergency occurs, deal with the emergency first. When able, dial the number on the back of your bib for Yomp Staff situational awareness.
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What if I need help during the Yomp?If you need help during the Yomp for any reason, call the number listed on the back of your bib. Someone from the Yomp Staff will help you.
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Can I keep my timer tracker?No! Timer trackers must be returned. Before you leave the course (at Bronze, Silver, Gold or somewhere in between), check in with a Yomp Volunteer and TURN IN YOUR TIMER TRACKER. If you take home your timer tracker, your credit card will be charged a $100 nonrefundable lost tracker fee.
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Is there parking at Gravelly Point?Due to the Rugby matches being held at Gravelly Point on 16 November 24, there is NO parking at Gravelly Point for Yomp participants.
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Where is Yomp parking?All Yompers are encouraged to use public transportation, rideshares, taxis, etc to Gravelly Point. If you need to drive, consider parking at the Public Parking Garage located at 2345 Crystal Drive, Arlington VA. The garage is open 24 hours and FREE on weekends.
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How do I get from the Crystal City Parking Garage to the Yomp Start?No matter how to get to Crystal City (metro, car, rideshare, skip, or early morning job), AFF will provide a FREE shuttle for Yompers from Crystal City to Gravelly Point on Saturday, 16 November 24. The Yomp Shuttle will pick-up Yompers at the corner of Crystal Drive and 23rd Street South at approximately 0730, 0750, and 0810.
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How do I get from Bronze or Silver back to Gravelly Point or Crystal City?If you conclude your Yomp experience at Bronze or Silver, there are multiple ways to return to Gravelly Point or Crystal City. 1) A friend or family member can pick up from Swain Park (Bronze) or Lockhouse 6 (Silver). Parking is extremely limited at both locations and is not guaranteed. 2) Rideshare or taxi. 3) RECOMMENDED - AFF will shuttle Yompers from Bronze and Silver back to Gravelly Point and Crystal City for $10 per Yomper. Shuttles will depart based once full and/or based on Yomp timing. We won’t make you wait hours for someone to fill a seat. If you would like to reserve a space in the Bronze or Silver Yomp shuttle, register here.
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How do I get from Gold back to Crystal City?AFF will provide a FREE shuttle for Yompers from Gold (Gravelly Point) back to Crystal City. The shuttle will drop off Yompers at the corner of Crystal Drive and 23rd Street South. The shuttle will depart based on demand.
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Can a friend or family member pick me up at Gold?Yes! If you would like a friend or family member to meet you at Gold, AFF will provide you a Warrior Yomp Night Access Parking Pass for Gravelly Point. Although Gravelly Point will be closed to be public from sunset on Saturday, 16 November 24 to sunrise on Sunday, 17 November 24, those will a Warrior Yomp Night Access Parking Pass will be able to enter the park. Warrior Yomp Night Access Parking Passes are only valid after 6pm on Saturday, 16 November 24. Register for a Warrior Yomp Night Access Parking Pass here.
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What is a virtual Yomp?A virtual Yomp can be completed anytime and anywhere, even indoors on a treadmill.
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Do I have to complete the entire distance all at once?No! Most participants complete their Virtual Yomp all at once, but we understand that not everyone is able to complete 25, 36, or 50 miles in one outing. Others like to set a goal and chip away at it over the course of a month (or longer), which is perfectly fine too! The Virtual Yomp option is offered to provide motivation to help with your personal goal setting, while raising money for our wounded, ill, and injured service members and veterans. Set your goal – whatever that may be – and go out and accomplish it! Along the way, please continue to raise donations for Allied Forces Foundation and those we support.
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How does the virtual Yomp work?Register for the Virtual Warrior Yomp and complete the Bronze (25 miles), Silver (36 miles), or Gold (50 miles) distance anytime and anywhere you desire. AFF works on an honor system. No need to upload your Yomp time or report back to us. We will mail you the appropriate medal no later than 23 November 2024.
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