Event Description
The Inaugural SSG Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run will be held at the Eagle Bike Park (11800 Horseshoe Bend Way, Eagle, ID 83616) on Saturday August 17th, 2019. The 10K trail race will begin at 0800, and the 5K trail race will start at 0900. The event is about community and sacrifice - feel free to wear traditional running attire and go for a PR, load yourself down with a ruck sack, or rock your military/LEO uniform, boots and body armor for an added degree of awesomeness. Wondering if the "suck factor" may be too high? Ask yourself... What would Aaron do? Embrace the suck!
MORE THAN A RACE: This is more than a race, it is a celebration of all US servicemembers who have given their lives or parts of themselves physically in combat operations around the globe. The after party promises to be epic. We will have local beer, music, food, local coffee, and lots to do for kids. All race proceeds will go to the Idaho Department and Chief Joseph Chapter 509 of the Military Order of the Purple Heart (a 501C3 nonprofit). This event was created by local Purple Heart recipients, and there will be an opportunity for all participants and supporters to meet and learn from those men and women who have been wounded in combat. The race courses will be lined with pictures and stories about Purple Heart Recipients who gave their lives in the Global War on Terror (since 9/11/2001). Bring out your families, let your children meet and absorb the words of Gold Star families (who have lost loved ones in combat), Vietnam War Purple Heart Recipients, and Purple Heart Recipients from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are among us every day, this in a unique opportunity for all of us to see and hear from local community members who have given more than most for our Nation.
WHAT IS THE PURPLE HEART? The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the president to those wounded or killed in combat while serving, on or after April 5, 1917, with the U.S. military. With its forerunner, the Badge of Military Merit, which took the form of a heart made of purple cloth, the Purple Heart is the oldest military award still given to U.S. military members.
SWAG AND AWARDS: All finishers will receive custom SSG Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run Technical T-shirts and a custom (and memorable medal). Swag from all kinds of local military friendly vendors, plus some amazing raffle prizes throughout the day.
CONTACT US / SPONSOR US: Have questions? Interested in having your local coffee, beer, or swag on display at our event? Want to donate or otherwise help with an event that funds the local Chapter (509) of the Military Order of the Purple Heart? Please contact:
Race Director: Dan Nelson – director.purpleheartrun@gmail.com
Assistant Director: Dan Muguira – ad.purpleheartrun@gmail.com
