Frequently Asked Questions

EVERYONE! Hero Rush is a dynamic event that will give a variety of participants a great experience. Whether you are an obstacle race/mud run enthusiast, avid runner looking for a change of pace, a family looking for a fun day out, a fire department, public safety agency or company seeking an awesome team building activity ... coming alone or coming with a big huge gigantic group, Hero Rush is looking for you! Register today!

Note for our Junior Heroes: If you will be 14 or older on Race Day, you can run the full Hero Rush course with your parent's permission - they'll need to accompany you onsite to sign the Hero Rush waiver form with you.

For those under 14, there are two kid's races - see the for details!

Every course will be at least 3 miles and possibly up to 5 miles -- and with varied terrain and lots of up, down, under and over, it will feel FAR longer (so be in shape!). At some locations, we'll be trialing alternative routes, varied level obstacles and actual distances will vary by venue! We know you'll be challenged by the obstacles themselves, but we'll also be exploring unique ways to make the course even more so!

Hero Rush is created by lifelong firefighters and promises the most authentic firefighting experience you can get without responding to a 911 call.

Our obstacles are unique and intense! If you’re looking for new challenges, obstacles unlike other races and are ready to go beyond mud right into mayhem – Hero Rush is for you. You’ll race to the scene and tackle many things a firefighter would do at a blaze or other emergency... You’ll slide, climb, crawl, get wet, search for victims, drag and carry equipment, carry stretchers, race up stairs, fight your way through smoke and flames .. and more! Did we mention you’ll get WET?

Check out our obstacles page for more info!

The 343 Wave honors the lives of the firefighters who perished in the Twin Towers on 9/11/2001. Each participant running in the 343 Wave will wear a commemorative racer’s bib showing the name of one of those fallen heroes. The 343 Wave costs an additional $10 – all of which goes to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation. Hero Rush will match that $10, for a total donation of $20 per runner in the 343 Wave.

All runners in all waves will be timed; however, only those running in competitive waves are eligible for timing prizes.

Be prepared to run, squeeze into (and through) small spaces, crawl blindly through smoke and have the heart of a hero! For some specialized moves, check out the training videos by Mike Stefano.

P.S. Be sure to get over that fear of heights, the dark, or closed in spaces!

Well, a real hero wouldn’t pass up the opportunity to make a save. But if an obstacle is too tough, you may skip it and still finish the course – BUT you will be ineligible for timing awards if you are participating in one of the competitive waves. Yes, we’ll be watching.

Yes, there will be at least two water stations along each 3-5 mile course, and one at the end. Remember to hydrate yourself the night and morning before you race.

No – tools and weapons are prohibited on the course. But be sure to bring your running shoes and your Most Heroic Self.

No, there is no time limit – we want every Rusher to cross the finish line! A true Hero never gives up.

For many, just being a Hero is a reward in itself. But for those of you who want to have fun FAST – and maybe take home a prize for doing it – there are competitive waves available at each event.

• The top male and female finishers from the competitive waves get a free race pass for an upcoming event
• The top three male and female finishers also take home cool Hero Rush swag as prizes.

Note, you must be registered for and run in a competitive wave AND complete all obstacles on the course in order to be eligible for timing prizes.

There are also prizes for the Largest and Fastest Teams - check out our Teams page for details!

Yes – and be creative! We love to feature the best costumes on our Facebook page!

Hero Rush is an event for EVERYONE -- but of course firefighters are going to be a huge part of every aspect of our event. For those of you running, we encourage you to dress in fire department apparel to stand out! However, full gear/turnouts are not recommended -- there will be a lot of water, some mud and other aspects that would not be ideal for structural firefighting gear.

Many of our obstacles are going to simulate things firefighters do every day -- in training, on the scene, even in the firehouse. Combined with the 3+ mile run, we think our fellow firefighters will find Hero Rush very challenging AND fun. Many fire departments are creating teams and it will be a great team building and group event for fire departments. So bring your friends, family and perhaps even some cops to Rush with ya! Firefighters, EMS, public safety, military and students (with ID) get $5 off registration, too! Firefighters are signing up quickest for our charity 343 wave, which benefits the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation.

We're also seeking local fire departments close to event locations to conduct demonstrations, distribute fire safety information and more. Fill out our contact form to get more information.

Yes! You can create a team when you register and then blast out a link to all your heroic friends so they can sign up on your team! Teams are a big part of obstacle events but an even BIGGER part of being a firefighter and first responder, so they fit right in here at Hero Rush. Click any register link to create a team or join an existing team.

Once your register, you will receive a confirmation email and update emails as needed. If there is a pre-race packet pickup, you will receive a notice for that, and also any news about transportation and parking, accommodations, etc.

Rushers can purchase photos and packages following the event, starting with the Wednesday after race day. You'll be able to search for photos by bib number or last name. Visit Capstone Photography for details.

Should you have questions for Capstone Photography, please call: 888-459-8512, fax: 860-656-0382, or email: sales@capstonephoto.com.

• All race participants must have a Hero Rush bib pinned to the front of their clothing to start the race.
• Alcohol may not be consumed prior to running the race.
• Rushers must line up 10 minutes prior to wave time, and you must run the wave you selected at registration.
• You may skip an obstacle if it’s too tough, but you will not be eligible for Rush Awards.
• To run the Hero Rush, participants must be 14 years of age or older by race day.
• Kids 7-13 may run the Junior Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course, a half-mile course with smaller obstacles. Kids 4-6 may run the Mini Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course.
• All Hero Rush runners, Kid’s Adventure Course runners, and spectators must sign a Hero Rush waiver form to enter the event. Anyone under 18 who wishes to participate in the Inferno Midway challenges must have a Hero Rush waiver form completed by a parent or guardian.

• No alcohol may be consumed by anyone under the age of 21. No alcohol may be consumed by anyone prior to running Hero Rush.
• No pets or children under 14 years old are allowed on the Hero Rush course.
• Spectators may attend for free
• Children age 7-14 may register for the Junior Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course ($15), and kids 4-6 can explore the Mini Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course for free with their parents supervision.  Anyone under 18 who wishes to participate in the Junior or Mini Kid’s Adventure Course must have a Hero Rush waiver form completed by a parent or guardian.
• By attending this event, you acknowledge that any photos or videos taken of you or your children may be used publicly for promotional or other purposes on websites, social media, print materials, television or other media.
• Participants and spectators must follow any direction given by race staff, volunteers or public safety personnel, or they will be removed from the event.
• Do not drink and drive.

• Photo ID (You can’t Rush without it!)
• Cash for parking, food, drinks and cool merchandise. Registered runners and spectators get $5 in Hero Dinero. ATMs will be available inside the event.
• Your signed Hero Rush waiver
• Appropriate footwear
• Towel/change of clothing (So you can dry off and enjoy the Inferno Midway!)
• Lawn chair/blanket
• Your Most Heroic Self

Gear Check and rinse-off/changing facilities will be available onsite.

What Not to Bring:

• No weapons.
• No drugs.
• No coolers.
• No outside alcohol, food or beverages.  Food and beverages will be available for purchase inside the event.

Wear comfortable clothing that A. you don’t mind getting dirty, wet and potentially soot-stained and that B. inspires you! If you’re Fire/EMS, wear your department shirt. If you’re military, wear your unit shirt. If you’re a dancer, wear your tutu. If you’re a pilot, wear your inflatable plane life preserver.  Whatever makes you feel like a Hero!

If you want to wear a costume – be creative!  The most heroic (or just plain most awesome) costumes will win a prize!

No matter what’s on your bod, we recommend solid running shoes or other sturdy, appropriate footwear on your feet.

Yes, complimentary bag check will be available onsite, and donations to a local charity will be encouraged.

No. You will need to show a valid and proper ID, along with a signed Hero Rush waiver, to pick up your own packet.

If you are attempting to transfer your registration to another participant, you will need to do so 7 days or more prior to event day.

To transfer your registration please provide event city and the following information for the new participant to registration@herorush.com: first/last name, email address, mailing address, phone number, date of birth, emergency contact name/phone and t-shirt size. Requests for transfers must be made by the original registered participant.

Should you miss the transfer deadline, you may be able to apply it to a future Hero Rush race instead. Contact registration@herorush.com for details.

Firefighters show up in the rain and the snow, no matter how hot or cold – and so will you! You should be ready to run if it’s hot, if it’s cold, if it’s raining, etc.!

Firefighters also show up in hurricanes, tornadoes and blizzards, but here we might be a little more lenient. If we must reschedule an event due to extreme and uncontrollable weather conditions which would make the event unsafe, we will announce via email, social media and our website as soon as possible.

• Recruit 5+ people: you get a special Hero Rush T-shirt.
• Recruit 10+ people: you get a Hero Rush T-shirt, your entry fee refunded and a dedicated area in our Inferno Midway.
• Recruit 15+ people: you get a Hero Rush T-shirt, your entry fee refunded, a dedicated area in our Inferno Midway and one free registration for any future Hero Rush event.
• Recruit 25+ people: you get a Hero Rush T-shirt, your entry fee refunded, a dedicated area in our Inferno Midway, one free registration for any future Hero Rush event and a Heroic Prize Pack full of Hero Rush goodies.

• Teams of 4 or more are eligible for the Team Axe Award.
• The Team Axe Award goes to the team with the fastest average time of the four fastest team members.
• Each team member must complete all obstacles in order to qualify for the Team Axe Award.
• Winning team will receive the Team Axe Award, a Team photo and Immortalized on the Hero Rush Facebook Page and website.

Please email registration@herorush.com. Please include the race location and date, the full name you registered with, your confirmation number, if available, as well as the team name you wish to join.

Please email registration@herorush.com to have your team created. Please include the race location and date, the full name you registered with, your confirmation number, if available, as well as the team name you would like to use.

Go to myevents.active.com and login with the username and password you used to register. Once logged in, click on “Manage my Team” under the specific event you want to see. Next click “Invite More” and send an invite to your friends. Your contacts will receive an email invitation with a unique link to join the team you have created.

If you are registered for Central Texas, North Texas, Maryland/DC, Pennsylvania/NJ, Virginia or New England, go to www.myevents.active.com and login with the username and password you used to register. Once logged in, click on “Manage my Team” under the specific event you want to see. Next click “Email Team.”

If you are registered for North Carolina, New York East or Western New York, go to your event registration page and scroll down to the instructions for Existing Registrants. Then, under “TEAMS,” click on “Email the members of your team.” Once you login you’ll see the Team Manager options on the left.

Hero Rush is actively seeking local and national partners interested in sponsorship opportunities. Contact us for more information.

Hero Rush is seeking musical acts and food, beverage and merchandise vendors who will bring local flavor to each event. Contact us for more information.

Show your heroic side by volunteering at Hero Rush! We're looking for energetic and enthusiastic individuals and groups who want to go behind the scenes and help produce an amazing event. Volunteers staff the Registration Tent and Bag Check, direct Rushers along the race course, work the water stations, assist with crowd control and more! Volunteers get a great Hero Rush T-shirt, lunch and snacks to keep you energized, and full access to the Inferno Midway before or after your shift! And organizations bringing 20 or more volunteers are eligible for cash donations.

For more details on individual or group volunteer opportunities and to sign up, visit the Volunteer page.

Hero Rush is seeking Marketing and Logistics Interns and as we grow will be seeking even more. Be sure to check our Hero Team page for the latest job announcements.

Lots! No one sits around when an emergency is happening – so why should anyone just watch at Hero Rush? Spectators get full access to the Inferno Midway filled with music, great food and drink, vendors, local fire departments, two kids' courses and some excellent spots for obstacle viewing. Spectators are free, but must sign the same Hero Rush waiver as participants.

Teens 14 and older on race day may participate in the full Hero Rush course.* For younger kids, there are two Firefighter Adventure Courses:

Kids 7-13* may run the Junior Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course, 1/2-mile to one-mile (based on event location), starting at both 10:15am and 1:15pm. All participants receive a Hero Rush T-shirt and finisher’s medal. The Junior Heroes Course is just $15 and includes full access to the Inferno Midway as well. Online pre-registration is available, just like adult Rushers -- simply go to your local event page and then click on "Register Now." You'll be given the option to select a kid's wave time.

For kids 4-6,* there’s the Mini Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course. This course is open all day for kids to explore with a parent's supervision. All Mini Heroes can take home a Hero Rush Chief’s Hat. No pre-registration is necessary.

*EVERYONE under 18 must have parental permission to participate in any Hero Rush course or Inferno Midway experience. A parent/guardian must be present on race day and must sign a Hero Rush waiver form for each minor. If the parent is unable to attend, the minor may present a notarized copy of the waiver signed by a parent.

Junior Rushers (ages 7-13) have two race times - 10:15 and 1:15. When signing up online or in person on race day, participants may choose which time they prefer. Runners will likely complete this course within 15-20 minutes, depending on the child’s age and abilities.

The Mini Rushers Course for those aged 4-6 is open all day for kids to explore with their parents' supervision.

If your child isn't ready to run the Kid's Adventure Course, no problem! Kids 13 and younger are welcome to attend the Hero Rush event as a free spectator instead, and enjoy the demonstrations, entertainment, food and drink and more!

Also, note: Participants must be 14 or older to participate in the Midway obstacles and challenges outside of the Kid's Area.

For each event, Hero Rush will identify one or more hotels where Rushers will get a great deal – check your local event page for information.

Tent or RV camping may be available at some events – check your local event page for information.

Hero Rush is seeking local departments to get involved in our events – conduct demonstrations, public safety education and outreach, recruiting and more. Contact us for more information.

Hero Rush is a proud supporter of the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation, our national charity. The Foundation offers significant support programs for the families and fire departments of America's fallen firefighters, and also works proactively to prevent line-of-duty deaths.

Hero Rush also aims to play an important role in the communities in which we host events. In each of our host cities, we'll identify and support one or more local fire service, firefighting or public safety charities.

We will work with local community leaders and recommendations from our participants, so please stay tuned for more information once registration is live! To suggest a local charity for your event, contact us. We also encourage racers to create fundraisers for our charities or their own favorite charity.