The Hero Hill Climb

Welcome to the 4th annual Hero Hill Climb!

Date: Saturday, May 23rd, 2026 (Memorial Weekend)

This event honors fallen veterans and raises awareness for active military service members. Activities include walking, running, and mountain biking for all ages.

The Mission:

Starting at Camp Merrill Army Ranger Base, participants receive the name of a fallen service member (Hero) and carry their name up a gravel road to the summit. At the top, participants pin the Hero Card on a board, ring a freedom bell, and return down the road. The event offers amazing scenery and the opportunity to walk with the 5th Ranger Army Training Battalion.

Each participant receives a special event Challenge Coin.

An after-party will be held at "The Overhang", Camp Merrill's on-base bar & grille, featuring food, beverages, raffle giveaways, and live music. Event t-shirts and challenge coins are available on-site and online.

For those unable to walk the gravel road, UTV/SxS vehicles are available for transport. A "virtual category" is also offered for remote participation.

Why We Do This:

Proceeds support critical aid for Heroes through community, financial assistance, and wellness programs for PTSD and veteran suicide prevention. Partnering with the US Mountain Ranger Association (USMRA), funds benefit Mission22 and the USMRA.

Sponsors and volunteers are needed. Contact Stephen for sponsorship opportunities (501(c)3 contribution).

Event Details:

• 7:45am - Registration Check-in opens
• 8:45am - All Participants Meeting and Starting Ceremonies
• 9:00am - The Hero Hill Climb begins.

Course Information:

• Distance: 3 miles to the top with 1000ft elevation gain.
• Surface: Smooth, hard-pack gravel road.
• Estimated Time: ~1 hour up, ~55 minutes down (walking). ~30 minutes up, ~10 minutes down (biking).
• Multiple loops are permitted.
• Water/food aid stations available at the bottom, middle, and top.
• Trail taxis (UTV/SxS) are available for transport up/down the mountain.

Cutoff Times:

• 11:30pm - Last runner cutoff
• 12:00pm - Last biker cutoff

Parking:

Three parking areas available: Church Parking Lot, Hightower Church Road, and Grass Field Parking (recommended for SUV/trucks due to dirt entry path) behind the church. Entry via Camp Wahsega Rd, next to orange barricades.

After-Party:

• 11:30am - The Overhang opens for lunch and music.
• 1:30pm - Raffles and Giveaways announced.