If you haven’t started training for the 6th annual Run 4 the Hills for First Responders, it’s OK.
Because the hundreds of other runners and walkers—some of them firefighters wearing 50 pounds of gear; others EMTS or cops—will make sure you get back.
This year’s four-mile race over the hilly back roads of Sharon Springs is set for Saturday, May 4 with a start time of 9am.
Pre-register online at ITSYOURRACE.com by this Saturday, April 27, or at the American Hotel, where the race begins and ends, Friday or Saturday, May 3 and 4, right up until race time.
In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings, founder Garth Roberts created Hero Fund America, which organizes and hosts Run 4 the Hills, as a benefit for EMS, fire, and law enforcement agencies.
Beginning with two firemen competing in gear four years ago when the Duty Gear Challenge was added, that portion of the event drew nearly 100 teams in 2018 and organizers expect to double that number in ’19.
The prizes are substantial, Mr. Roberts said, with $1,000 in cash going to each of the first three finishers in the EMS, fire, and law enforcement divisions.
But that’s not why they compete.
“On race day, it’s all about camaraderie,” said Mike Boomhower, chief of the Gallupville Fire Department.
“If someone is struggling to get through, no matter where they are from, we pick them up, stick together, and finish. We never leave anyone behind.”
It’s people like Chief Boomhower and his wife, Lisa, who’ve help make Run 4 the Hills and the Duty Gear Challenge such a success, said HFA Secretary Patty Johnstone, who with other volunteers, spends most of her Saturdays and many evenings recruiting new teams.
Those who’ve signed on will come from a 50-mile radius of Sharon Springs and as far away as Albany County.
“Everyone who comes is exactly who’re we’re looking for,” Ms. Johnstone said, even as some friendly rivalries and “smack talk” have developed between some of the squads and departments.
(Think University Police vs…everyone else. The Gallupville vs. South Minden FDs. Body Fixx vs. Sharon Springs Central School.)
While Run 4 the Hills is a fundraiser, both Ms. Johnstone and Mr. Roberts point out it’s also a way to recognize and honor first responders.
“They are some of the most humble people I’ve ever met,” Ms. Johnstone said, “and the small, local departments…they’re the backbone of the Duty Gear Challenge.
“When they realize we’re interested in what they do--the worst days of their lives and the best—it’s a way to say thank you.”
“When the first responders cross the finish line and everyone turns to start applauding…it’s dramatic to see all of the well-deserved recognition and appreciation,” Mr. Roberts added.


THE DETAILS…
Start time for the May 4 Run 4 the Hills for First Responders and the Duty Gear Challenge is 9am with both the start and finish line and the post-race party at the American Hotel.
Last-minute registration and packet pickup is Friday the 3rd at the American from 3-6pm and Saturday the 4th from 7:30-8:30am.
Register online at ITSYOURRACE.com by April 27.
The post--race party will include music by TR Moore, chair massages, a Stewart’s ice cream bar, refreshments including beer from Saranac Breweries, hot dogs, popcorn and more; and an awards ceremony.
The first-third place individual winners in the three Duty Gear Challenge categories will receive ribbons; the first men’s and women’s finishers and a runner chosen at random earn New Balance sneakers, and there will be drawings for lots of other donated prizes.
The Life Net helicopter will also be on the scene; race participants will include AJ Prime of South Minden for Run for the Fallen, a national relay foot race run in memory of servicemen killed in the War on Terror.

HFA
Run 4 the Hills is one of Hero Fund America’s two major fundraisers with half going to the Sharon Springs Rescue Squad and half to grants available to EMS, fire, and law enforcement departments everywhere for education, training and equipment.
The grants are administered by the Community Foundation of Herkimer & Oneida Counties through an endowed fund.
2018 recipients were: Southern University Police Department, Baton Rouge, Louisiana; Sharon Springs Joint Fire District, Global Rescue Systems, Morrisville, Missouri and the Niagara Engine Company No. 6 Schoharie Fire Department.
HFA’s other fundraiser is the Rally for First Responders, this year a September 20-22 road rally through the Finger Lakes.