Lace up your sneakers, pull on your Airpack, strap on your holster.
It’s nearly time for the 9th Run 4 the Hills for First Responders.
The four mile run/walk through the hilly streets and back roads of Sharon Springs is a fundraiser for Hero Fund America, which since its inception in 2014, has awarded more than $200,000 in grants to fire, law, and EMS agencies.
This year’s Run 4 the Hills is set for Saturday, October 1, with a start time of 9am at The American Hotel.
After two years of scaling back because of COVID—and a date change from May to October—organizers are bringing back all of the post-race festivities, including music, food, beverages, and an awards ceremony.
Virtual registration runs through Wednesday, September 14; go to HeroFundAmerica.org and click on the Run 4 the Hills link.
You can also sign up at The American the day of the race.
The race is capped at 500.
Run 4 the Hills was founded in 2014 by runner Garth Roberts in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings as a way to fund grants—more than 55 across the country to date—to first responders to use for more education, equipment, and now, mental health services.
Since then, it’s been expanded to include law enforcement and the Duty Gear Challenge--with teams of participants who complete the course in what’s often more than 100 pounds of equipment.
“It makes for a lot of camaraderie and good-natured competition,” said HFA Vice President Patty Johnstone. “It’s a lot of fun and it’s all for a great cause.”
In June, HFA held its annual road tour, this time with a focus of covered bridges.
Together, the road tour and the run help build support for HFA year-round, Ms. Johnstone said, and they set the non-profit up for its year-end fundraising campaign each December.
The HFA Endowment Fund is administered by the Community Foundation, which is based in Utica; the Community Foundation also reviews grant applications and awards the grants, which this year ranged from $400 to $1,200 and went to 18 recipients from as far away as Florida.
Local grant recipients included the Canajoharie Police Department, MEVAC, and the Wright Fire District.
“Word is spreading about what we do,” Ms. Johnstone said.
“COVID threw us some challenges, but the support we get every day, and the support for first responders is inspiring.”