ARCHIVED RACE: Hero Rush @ Deschutes County Fair & Expo, Redmond, OR, USA on 14 July 2012

We start with a 5k+ course, but instead of military style obstacles, ours will simulate the challenges that firefighters face every day. Runners will climb ladders, scale steep roofs, bust through windows and doors, drag massive fire hoses, crawl through smoke-filled mazes and more. No mud pits, but there will be tons of water and, at some events, even an opportunity for spectators to take aim on the runners!

In our festival area (the Inferno Midway) spectators and runners both can try their firefighter skills on stand-alone obstacles and challenges. Plus there will be great food & beverage options, entertainment, music, merchandise and more. We’re inviting local fire departments to get involved by doing demonstrations and promoting public safety. And for families, there’s two kid’s adventure courses.

We’ve designated a charity, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which serves the families of fallen firefighters across the country. One of the most popular ways we are raising money for the NFFF is through our “343 Wave,” which honors the firefighters who were killed in the Twin Towers on 9/11. And because we are dedicated to helping fire departments in the communities that host our events, we’ll also identify a local fire-related charity that will get 100% of our kids race registration fees.