zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway – Oct. 20
When you were a kid, did you dream of being a firefighter? Did you want to ride the big red truck, run heroically into burning buildings, fight your way through smoke and flame, and save the victims trapped inside? Here is your chance to get a taste of the challenges that firefighters face every day, and really put your mettle to the test.
Hero Rush – the firefighter-themed obstacle race and experience – makes its North Carolina debut Oct. 20 on the zMAX Dragway at Charlotte Motor Speedway. Created by veteran firefighters, Hero Rush is as authentic as you can get without responding to a 911 call.
Each of the 15-20 obstacles has been designed to simulate a real emergency situation that firefighters face. Runners will climb ladders, crawl through windows, navigate a smoky attic and climb through the debris in a hoarder’s basement. A hazmat scenario requires participants to climb through slippery, goopy goo, and a high-rise building simulation forces runners to make a tight, wet vertical climb. A “smoke-jumper” obstacle even incorporates a zip line. Add in the grueling landscape of a 5k course, and this event will challenge even the toughest athletes.
But as any firefighter will tell you, heroism is measured not by brute strength, but by spirit. Hero Rush commends everyone who comes out to tackle the course and give it their best. Whether they run it in 30 minutes or walk it in three hours, all are celebrated at the finish line.
And Hero Rush is more than just a race. The creators have designed an event that opens the firefighter’s world to everyone. Spectators get a great view of the course – there are even a few interactive obstacles where spectators can play a part in the race. Or, take a spin around the Inferno Midway, where anyone can test their firefighter skills on stand-alone obstacles and themed challenges.
The Inferno Midway also includes great food and beverage options, vendors, music and entertainment, demonstrations by local fire departments, and a family area with two Kids’ Adventure Races, so even the junior heroes can go home with a race medal or fire chief’s helmet. Everyone – runners and spectators alike – gets full access to the midway, plus $5 in Hero Dinero to use on food and beverage of their choice. Runners’ fees also include a finisher’s medal, T-shirt, race bib, timing chip, and free bag check.
Hero Rush is dedicated to giving back to the fire service, and has partnered with the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which honors the country’s fallen firefighters and works to reduce line-of-duty deaths. Hero Rush will also designate a local charity partner in each community where they host an event. These organizations will receive donations and have an opportunity to raise awareness at Hero Rush events.
If it sounds like a kick-ass event for athletes and weekend warriors, a great day out for families, a fun and wholesome event for kids … that’s because it is. Dust off those little-kid dreams, pump up that big-kid adrenaline and get yourself out to Hero Rush. Don’t just play in the mud … be a hero!
