The Hero Hill Climb

  • Date Sat 23rd May 2026
  • Time 8:00AM EDT
  • Location Dahlonega, Georgia
  • Price $28.25
  • Races 3 races
  • Distances 10km, 5km

Event summary

Join us for the 4th annual Hero Hill Climb on Saturday, May 23rd, 2026, in the beautiful Dahlonega, Lumpkin area! This inspiring event not only honors our fallen veterans but also raises awareness for the brave men and women currently serving in our military. Participants of all ages can choose to walk, run, or mountain bike up the gravel road starting at Camp Merrill Army Ranger Base. Each participant will carry a card bearing the name of a fallen service member, symbolically honoring their sacrifice by reaching the hilltop, where a large Hero board and a freedom bell await.

The event promises breathtaking scenery and camaraderie with the 5th Ranger Army Training Battalion. Plus, everyone will receive a special event Challenge Coin to commemorate their participation. If you're unsure about your fitness level, UTV/SxS vehicles will be available to assist you in completing your mission safely. After the climb, celebrate at "The Overhang," Camp Merrill's on-base bar & grille, featuring delicious food, beverages, raffle giveaways, and live music! Don’t miss this opportunity to make a meaningful impact while having funβ€”register today and help us support our Heroes!

Organiser's Description

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.

Walk, run or mountain bike...all ages...
THE MISSION: Starting in front of Camp Merrill Army Ranger Base, you will be given a half-sheet card with the name 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 return back down the gravel road. The scenery is amazing, and you get to walk with the 5th Ranger Army 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, 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 but cannot attend in-person.

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 [https://mission22.com/] and the USMRA [https://usmra.org/] 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.

2024 HERO HILL CLIMB VIDEO (CLICK HERE) [https://youtube.com/shorts/tAkrYeRZV0c?feature=share]

2024 PHOTOS GALLERY LINK (CREDIT TO JUSTIN ARNDT AT WWW.OURLOCALHEROES.COM) [https://ourlocalheroes.pixieset.com/mission22events/herohillclimb2024/]

2023 PHOTOS Gallery [https://ourlocalheroes.pixieset.com/mission22events/herohillclimb2023/]

Races

  • Walk

    Incl. $3.25 Fee

    Sat 23rd May 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $28.25

  • Bike

    Incl. $3.25 Fee

    Sat 23rd May 2026 (8:00AM EDT)

    $28.25

  • Virtual Hero Hill Climb

    Incl. $3.25 Fee

    $28.25

    This is a virtual event you can do in your area. We'll email you a Hero Card to print out, and you can do a Hill Climb in your town. Email us a picture of your effort and we'll include you in the group photos. We'll also mail your Challenge Coin to you after the event.

Reviews

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Location

1 Merrill Dr., Dahlonega, 30597, GA, United States

Who's In

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Steve McGill

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May 23, 2026

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