{"race":{"race_id":157299,"name":"The Hero Hill Climb","last_date":"05\/23\/2026","last_end_date":"05\/23\/2026","next_date":"05\/29\/2027","next_end_date":"05\/29\/2027","is_draft_race":"F","is_private_race":"F","is_registration_open":"F","created":"12\/8\/2023 10:57","last_modified":"7\/3\/2026 22:43","description":"

Get ready for the 5th annual Hero Hill Climb! - Saturday, May 29th, 2027 Memorial Weekend
This is a great event to honor our fallen veterans and bring awareness to the good men & women serving in our military of all branches.<\/p>\n

Walk, run or mountain bike...all ages...
THE MISSION:\u00a0 <\/span><\/strong>Starting next to Camp Merrill Army Ranger Base, you will be given a half-sheet card with the name and bio of a fallen service member (Hero). Your mission is to carry your Hero up the gravel road to the top of the hill to honor their sacrifice. When you get to the top, there will be a large Hero board, an American flag, and a cast iron Freedom bell. You will pin your Hero Card onto the Hero Board, ring the bell in their honor, and we give you a 12-inch flag to return back down the gravel road with. The scenery is gorgeous, the camaraderie is inspirational, and you get to walk side by side with some amazing people, including the 5th Ranger Training Battalion! Each participant will also receive a special event Challenge Coin (while supplies last) that you can pay forward or keep.<\/p>\n

Afterwards, join the after-party at "The Overhang", Camp Merrill's on-base bar & grille for great food & beverages, raffle giveaways, and live music. Comfy event t-shirts are available on-site and online.\u00a0<\/p>\n

If you are unsure of your physical fitness to walk up the gravel road, no problem!\u00a0 We'll have UTV\/SxS vehicles to transport you up and down the mountain, so you can complete your mission safely.\u00a0 We even have a "virtual category" for those who want to participate from home.\u00a0 \u00a0 \u00a0<\/p>\n

WHY DO WE DO THIS?<\/span><\/strong> \u00a0
Your contribution raises money to deploy critical support to our Heroes, by fostering community, financial assistance, and long-term wellness programs to combat PTSD and prevent veteran suicide. It is a troubling fact that 22 Veterans a day take their own life. But we can all make a difference to support our Heroes. Partnering with the US Mountain Ranger Association (USMRA), the proceeds from this event will create resources for both Mission22<\/a> and the\u00a0USMRA<\/a> to provide the support needed.\u00a0 \u00a0You make an impact!\u00a0<\/p>\n

Help us spread the word<\/u> by sharing with your friends, participating in the event, and gathering a team. Our Heroes deserve our best!\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n

**<\/b> We also need sponsors and volunteers! If you have a business or an organization that we can promote, your sponsorship will be accepted as a 501(c)3 contribution. Let's find creative ways to benefit our heroes, and promote you at the same time. Please contact Stephen at the "Race Contact" below.\u00a0<\/p>\n

\u00a0<\/p>\n

HERO HILL CLIMB VIDEO (click here)<\/span><\/strong><\/span><\/a>

<\/p>\n

PHOTOS GALLERY Link (credit to Justin Arndt at www.ourlocalheroes.com)<\/span><\/a><\/strong>
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