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 picturesque Dahlonega, Lumpkin! This uplifting event takes place during Memorial Weekend and is dedicated to honoring our fallen veterans while raising awareness for the incredible men and women serving in our military. Participants can walk, run, or mountain bike up a scenic gravel road starting from Camp Merrill Army Ranger Base. Each participant will carry a card bearing the name of a fallen service member, culminating in a heartfelt tribute at the top of the hill, where you'll find a large Hero Board, an American flag, and a cast iron Freedom bell to ring in their honor.

The Hero Hill Climb is open to all ages and fitness levels, with UTV/SxS vehicles available for those needing assistance. Plus, for those who prefer to participate from home, a virtual category is available. After the climb, celebrate at "The Overhang," Camp Merrill’s on-base bar and grille, with delicious food, refreshing beverages, raffle giveaways, and live music. Don't miss out on this chance to make a meaningful impact while enjoying a day filled with camaraderie and community spirit. Together, we can support our heroes and raise funds for essential

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 of all branches.

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 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! 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 [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.

HERO HILL CLIMB VIDEO (CLICK HERE) [https://youtu.be/2AQHX_Y9LBw?si=tdkoLT6ZsFLPTAXA]

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

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.

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Location

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

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Steve McGill

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May 23, 2026

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