497 Mile Virtual Running and Bicycling Club
Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument
In 1918, Colonel Charles Young completed a physically and mentally challenging 497 horseback ride from Wilberforce, Ohio to Washington D.C. in 16 days to prove his physical fitness for military combat duty. Today, we invite those who are physically and mentally fit to challenge themselves and complete their own 497 mile journey by walking, running, hiking or biking.
In 1918, Colonel Charles Young was forced into retirement due to having high blood pressure. During the height of WWI, Colonel Young strongly believed he was capable of serving and protecting our country. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt signed Executive Order 989 stating that all military officers were required to ride their horse a total of 90 miles in 3-days to prove they were physically fit. Colonel Young rode his horse from Wilberforce, OH to Washington DC in 16 days with one day of rest. He rode a total of 497 miles and 94 miles within the first three days. Although, Colonel Young was able to come out of retirement President Woodrow Wilson did not believe African Americans could properly lead troops in the military, so he denied Colonel Young access to fight in WWI. Colonel Young’s 497- mile ride showed strength, determination, resilience, and perseverance when all odds were against him. Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument invites you to become a member of our 497 Mile Virtual Running and Bicycling Club. Learn more about Colonel Young's historic 497-mile ride when you visit the Teaching with Historic Places page for students. Print the log sheet below to track your miles along with the way you did it (i.e. walking, hiking, running or bicycling) There is no set deadline to achieve your 497 goal. How fast can you cover 497 miles? 497 Mile Club Logging Sheet DAY METHOD (Run/Hike/Bike/Walk) MILES PERSONAL NOTES REGARDING YOUR DAY'S ACTIVITY 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
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No age requirements, but all participants should be in satisfactory health before beginning any workout activity.
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