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The Hero Hill Climb

Date
May 23, 2026
Distance
Walk · Bike · Virtual Hero Hill Climb

From the Organizer

Welcome to the 4th annual Hero Hill Climb! - Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 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.

Walk, run or mountain bike...all ages...
THE MISSION:  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 that you can pay forward or keep.

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 and challenge coins are available on-site and online. 

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

WHY DO WE DO THIS?  
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 and the USMRA to provide the support needed.   You make an impact!

Help us spread the word by sharing with your friends, participating in the event, and gathering a team. Our Heroes deserve our best!

** 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. 

HERO HILL CLIMB VIDEO (click here)

PHOTOS GALLERY Link (credit to Justin Arndt at www.ourlocalheroes.com)

Distances & Pricing

Walk8 AMRegister →
Bike8 AMRegister →
Virtual Hero Hill Climb8 AMRegister →

Race Location

About This Sport

From Endurance Grid's Founder

Endurance Grid is here to help you understand the sport, decide if it's the right fit, and learn how to prepare. For course distances, logistics, and race-day specifics, always defer to the race organizer's event page.

With running, there's a distance for every fitness level, a community at every start line, and nothing beats the feeling of crossing a finish line you trained for.

Running is an endurance sport that rewards consistency, and showing up every week compounds in ways that will surprise you.

Running

From 5K to marathon, running races are the most accessible entry point into endurance sport. There's a distance for every fitness level and a community at every start line.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is The Hero Hill Climb?
The Hero Hill Climb is a running event held in Dahlonega, GA. Learn more about the different endurance sports here.
When and where is The Hero Hill Climb?
Saturday, May 23, 2026 in Dahlonega, GA at 1 Merrill Dr., Dahlonega, GA. Check the official event page for exact start times and wave schedules.
How do I register for The Hero Hill Climb?
Registration is handled through their official registration page. Confirm pricing, distances available, and sign up there.

The Hero Hill Climb

May 23, 2026

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