
The Hero Hill Climb is a running race on May 29, 2027 in Dahlonega, GA, with an entry fee of $30.
From the Organizer
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.
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 (while supplies last) 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 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)
Events
Weather
It's too far out for a forecast, so here's what weather on this date is normally like in the area. A race day forecast will replace this as race week approaches.
Typical High
79°
Typical Low
55°
Chance of Rain
40%
Based on US Climate Normals data from Cleveland, 13 mi from the venue.
Host City
Population
7,194
as of 2023
City Elevation
1,383 ft
Nearest Airport
PDK
DeKalb Peachtree Airport · 49 mi
Major Hub
ATL
Hartsfield Jackson Atlanta International Airport · 67 mi
Time Zone
Eastern Time
From Endurance Grid
A small town race. Lodging near the start could be limited, so book early.
Race Location
Approximate location — pin shows the host city, not the exact venue.
Your Next Start Line
Every finish line starts with a single decision. Claim your spot at The Hero Hill Climb, put it on the calendar, and turn “someday” into a start date.
Plan your trip
Coming from out of town? There's more to Dahlonega than race day. We'll help you line up nearby lodging, flights, a rental car, and things to do so you can make the most of your racecation.
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From Endurance Grid
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.
From 5K to marathon, running races are an 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)
The Hero Hill Climb
May 29, 2027