In 230 days · Sat, May 29, 2027
Don't let race day sneak up
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Saturday, May 29th, 2027
1 Merrill Dr., Dahlonega GA
10K · 5K
61–78°F · some rain risk
See last 10 years
On this date: rain 5 of the last 10 years
2026
67–79°F
rain
2025
60–70°F
rain
2024
57–78°F
dry
2023
50–77°F
dry
2022
60–79°F
dry
2021
54–70°F
dry
2020
61–76°F
rain
2019
68–89°F
dry
2018
65–71°F
rain
2017
62–80°F
rain
Best months to race in Georgia →
Race-day ready
Everything but the shoes.
Real running socks, a bib belt, anti-chafe — the cheap upgrades that matter.
About this race
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)
Course map
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