Event Description

Caleb Griffis was a 2019 graduate of Tallulah Falls School. During his time at TFS, Caleb excelled in both the classroom and in athletics. His favorite sports included Track and Field and Cross Country, sports he both served as captain for during his time at TFS. After high school graduation, Caleb attended Clemson University on a full four year Army ROTC scholarship pursuing a degree in Economics with plans to serve in the US Army following graduation. Caleb’s drive for service and excellence served him well in ROTC. Caleb had recently competed in the Ranger Challenge and was Team Leader Elect for that unit.  He was awarded Cadet of the Month and also earned the German Armed Forces Badge. Caleb was awarded a slot in the United States Army Air Assault School that he was to attend in August. Clemson Army ROTC dedicated a yearly award in honor of Caleb called “The Griffis Award” to a cadet who embodies characteristics such as Caleb demonstrated during his time in the program.

On April 1, 2021, at just 20 years old, Caleb’s life was tragically lost when he was struck while riding his motorcycle to ROTC Lab in Clemson, SC. The loss of Caleb Griffis has been deeply felt by his loved ones, his Clemson ROTC community, and throughout the local Habersham/Rabun counties. The stories of Caleb, shared in both public and in private, painted the picture of the man he was and the reason we honor his life with this race.

FIDELIS MILITUS

     (FAITHFUL SOLDIER)

Caleb Griffis was a man of discipline and grit. He attacked each challenge with excellence as his intention. In athletic endeavors, as well as in military training, Caleb was a loyal teammate. Both his words and actions encouraged and challenged others to overcome more than they thought they were capable of doing alone. He would slow his pace in order to help someone increase theirs. Caleb would do something twice if it helped someone else complete it once. Caleb Griffis embodied Fidelis Militus. 

As you run this race on the course in which Caleb put hours of training in, we hope you remember the life and legacy of Caleb Griffis. We also hope that you know that whatever challenges life presents to you, we are all encouraged to fight the good fight, finish the race, and keep the faith. (2 Timothy 4:7). 

• All proceeds and donations from the FIDELIS MILITUS event will go directly to the Caleb Griffis Memorial Foundation to forever honor his legacy and provide scholarship opportunities at Tallulah Falls School and Clemson University for other students who display similar characteristics. 

• The Caleb Griffis Memorial Foundation is an official 501c3 

• FIDELUS MILITUS is not affiliated with Tallulah Falls School.

Event details and schedule

Check-in is 1-2:30 pm at the course on Sunday, November 13th. 

The run begins at 3 pm

This course is located at Tallulah Falls Middle School and parking is directly next to the course. The course is a scenic, yet challenging endeavor. While water will be provided, participants are encouraged to bring their own water bottles as well. Close-toed shoes are required for this course. During the run, there will be obstacles present to complete at one's discretion. All obstacles can be passed by as participants see fit. As we continue to work out the details of this run, we are hopeful to have food trucks available at the run site and encourage participants to bring cash payments for these. We can not wait to see you there! Thank you so much for all your love and support.