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Hero Rush Joins Forces with Munroe Regional Medical Center
SEPTEMBER 18, 2012 — Hero Rush is pleased to announce a new partnership with Munroe Regional Medical Center, Marion County’s locally owned, not-for-profit, community hospital. Munroe has signed on as the exclusive health care sponsor and marketing partner for Hero Rush Central Florida.
“This partnership underscores our emphasis on fitness and healthy living,” said Hero Rush co-founder Dave Iannone. “In achieving our mission to put on a great event and help communities recognize the hard work and sacrifices made by firefighters, we also encourage everyone to get out and get active. We are excited to work with Munroe to further spread this message across Florida.”
Hero Rush, which takes place at the Florida Horse Park in Ocala on Saturday, November 3, is a themed race designed by veteran firefighters for participants of all abilities. Runners tackle a 5k course studded with 17-20 creative obstacles that simulate the emergencies firefighters face in real life.
“Instead of the military-style obstacles and mud pits you find at most events,” Iannone said, “our runners climb ladders, crawl through windows, navigate a smoky maze and climb through debris in a hoarder’s basement. Each obstacle provides a glimpse into life as a first responder.”
“Munroe Regional Medical Center is excited to partner with Hero Rush in their inaugural event in Central Florida,” said Mike Robertson, VP of Strategic Planning & Marketing at Munroe Regional. “Munroe takes great pride in our continued outreach efforts to educate residents on living a healthy and active lifestyle and we believe this partnership with Hero Rush exemplifies our commitment to improving the health of our community.
In addition to connecting with the greater community, Munroe’s participation will highlight their internal health and fitness initiative, Wellness Works. Munroe will sponsor the event’s 10:00am wave, at the start of which runners will receive stretching and warm-up coaching from the Wellness Works coordinator.
With wave times spread throughout the day, participants have ample time to explore and enjoy the Inferno Midway as well. This family-friendly festival area features two kid’s courses, food and drinks, displays by local fire departments, apparel and merchandise tents, music and entertainment. Attendees are encouraged to stop by the Munroe booth in the Inferno Midway for free health screenings.
At Hero Rush, there’s also an opportunity to give back to the firefighting community. The National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, which honors the nation’s fallen firefighters and works to reduce line-of-duty deaths, receives a $20 donation for each runner in the “343 Wave” honoring the firefighters killed in the World Trade Center on 9/11.
At the local level, Hero Rush supports the Marion County Firefighter’s Benevolence Fund, which provides assistance to community firefighters, their families, and citizens of during times of need. The MCFBF will receive proceeds from the Junior Heroes race and take part in the Inferno Midway.
