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Hero Rush – the Firefighter-Themed Obstacle Race and Experience
By Diane Giles
Columbia, MD
January 10, 2012
For the Washington Running Report
Our special Holiday $55 Deal has been extended through January 13th … plus firefighters, military and public safety get an additional $5 off
Hero Rush, the dynamic new firefighter-themed obstacle race and experience, will host its inaugural event at High Point Farm in Montgomery County, MD on April 28, 2012. Designed for mainstream consumers by lifelong firefighters, Hero Rush will challenge participants from all walks of life to experience what firefighters face every day.
“Runners will tackle a 5K course studded with 15-17 obstacles that simulate real emergencies,” said co-founder Dave J. Iannone. “They’ll crawl through a smoke-filled maze, scale steep roofs, drag a massive fire hose to the blaze, climb ladders, and bust through windows to find victims trapped inside – and a few surprises, too.”
“We are extremely excited to kick off our first event in our home state of Maryland,” Iannone said. “High Point Farm is a terrific location and the team there is keenly interested in public safety. It’s a perfect fit.”
Obstacle races are one of the fastest growing segments of the running industry, according to a recent Wall Street Journal article, with thousands of participants expected at Hero Rush.
“These events have become very popular over the last two years,” said co-founder Christopher Hebert. “They’re perfect for everyone, from experienced runners looking for a new challenge, to teenagers and college students, to people of all ages who just want to get out and get active.”
The all-day event will feature an Inferno Midway, where both runners and spectators can practice their firefighter skills on stand-alone obstacles and challenges. This family-friendly festival area will also include two kid’s courses, demonstrations from local fire departments, food and drinks, apparel and merchandise tents, music and entertainment.
Hero Rush will give back to the firefighting community through national and local fire-related charities. As the designated national charity, the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation will receive a $20 donation for each runner who runs in the “343 Wave” honoring the firefighters killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
Hero Rush will also identify a local fire-related charity to receive the proceeds from the Kid’s Firefighter Adventure Course.
To suggest a Maryland charity or for information on how local fire departments and potential sponsors can get involved visit www.herorush.com or E-mail responders@herorush.com.
Events are also scheduled for Minnesota, Michigan, North Texas, Los Angeles, Oregon, Illinois, Pennsylvania, New York, North Carolina, Central Florida and Central Texas.