Frequently Asked Questions

EVERYONE! Hero Rush is going to be 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 waiver form with you.

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

Every course will be at least 5K (3.1 miles) ... with varied terrain and lots of up, down, under and over to make it feel FAR longer (so be in shape!). At some 2012 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?

See if you have what it takes to be a real hero. Would you catch the baby if given the opportunity? Could you free the victim trapped in a car? Look for unique surprises at each event!

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! In the coming weeks, we’ll post a Hero Rush Training Guide with specific ways you can get in shape.

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

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 5k 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.

Based on competitive wave results, prizes will go home with the top three men and women racers, plus the top three men and top three women in each age division – 14-20, 21-34, 35-44, and 45+. The top male and female finishers from the competitive waves get a free race pass for an upcoming event.

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.

We’ll also award a prize to the best – and most heroic – costume! Plus we’ll add more awards for unique categories – submit your ideas for a one-of-a-kind Hero Rush prize category here.

Yes – and be creative! The most heroic (or just plain most awesome) costumes will win a prize at the awards ceremony and may also be part of online photo contests after the event. We’ll award a Heroic Costume of the Year from those who win at each event, selected online by our Facebook fans!

Well, besides getting the adrenaline-pumping feeling of leaping into action when the bell rings and saving a life – your response to Hero Rush includes some cool things to go along with the heat and the flames. Included with every racer registration is:

• Entry to the Hero Rush Obstacle Race
• Timing chip & runners bib
• Hero Rush Inferno Tour 2012 custom-designed T-shirt
• Special completion medal (design showcased in early 2012)
• $5 in Hero Dinero good for food and beverages of your choice onsite
• Complimentary bag check (donations for a local charity will be encouraged)
• Full access to the Inferno Midway

On the Inferno Midway, everyone can be a Hero and practice their firefighter skills on fiery obstacles (14 and older only), live demonstrations and experiences, and great kid’s course options! There’s also cool music all day, food and drinks, awesome firematic merch and lots to see and do – it’s a full Hero Experience!

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.

Yes! We are proud to offer $5 off any registration price point for firefighters, EMS professionals, police officers, and the military. Simply select your appropriate segment during registration. You will need to present a valid ID onsite to participate at that rate.

Race participants must sign up online by the deadline specified on each individual event page. Phone and mail-in registration are not available. No registration will take place at the event.

Not-Just-A Spectator passes can be purchased online or at the gate.

For the Kids Adventure Courses, Junior Heroes (age 7-13) must register online by the deadline specified on each individual event page. Mini Heroes (age 4-6) may sign up onsite in the children’s area at the event.

No refunds will be available for any reason; however, you may transfer your registration to another Rusher before the transfer deadline specific to each event, typically 30 days prior to race day. To transfer your registration, login to the registration page and follow the instructions.

Yes! You may transfer your registration to another Rusher before the registration deadline. To transfer your registration, login to the registration page and follow the instructions. Please note, the new registrant may or may not be able to change the wave time, depending on availability.

Yes. To upgrade your ticket, sign in on the registration page and follow the instructions.

No. But you may transfer your registration to another Rusher before the registration deadline. To transfer your registration, login to the registration page and follow the instructions.

We will set up advance packet pickup for each event, as situations allow. Details will be sent to all registered racers by email and it will be posted on each event location page. To pick up a packet, you must preset your signed waiver, which can be downloaded on your event location page. You will receive your bib and timing device, and avoid the potentially long lines at check-in on race day.

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.

• 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 waiver form to enter the event. Anyone under 18 who wishes to participate in the Inferno Midway challenges must have a 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.
• Everyone 14 years or older must register for the Hero Rush or purchase a spectator pass to enter the event.
• Children under 14 may enter for free; however, there is a fee to participate in the Junior Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course for kids age 7-14, and a donation is suggested for kids 4-6 to run the Mini Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course.  Anyone under 18 who wishes to participate in the Junior or Mini Kid’s Adventure Course or any Inferno Midway challenges must have a 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.
• Appropriate footwear
• Towel/change of clothing (So you can dry off and enjoy the Inferno Midway!)
• Lawn chair/blanket
• Your Most Heroic Self

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

Be sure to bring:

• 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 waiver - or be ready to sign it onsite
• Appropriate footwear
• Towel/change of clothing (So you can dry off and enjoy the Inferno Midway!)
• Lawn chair/blanket
• Your Most Heroic Self

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.

Yes, but they must present a waiver signed by you. Waivers are available for download on each event page and were emailed to you with your registration confirmation.

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.

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! As a Hero Rush Volunteer Fire Department (HRVFD) member, you’ll 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, a free Spectator pass for their event and we’ll even feed you if you’re working more than four hours!

Coming soon: Individual volunteers can sign up up using the registration page for each individual event.

Interested in fundraising? Contact us for more information if you are part of a charity or community organization with a group that would like to volunteer in exchange for a donation.

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? With a Not-Just-A Spectator Pass, you get full access to the Inferno Midway filled with unique firefighter-themed challenges, additional obstacles (which runners can also do, of course), vendors, festival features and live entertainment, great viewing areas for more than just a few obstacles, PLUS $5 in Hero Dinero for food & beverages – all for just $15 if pre-purchased online; $20 onsite. Spectators will have to sign the same waiver as participants.

Note: Anyone over age 14 must purchase a Hero Rush race pass or a Not-Just-A Spectator pass to enter the event. Kids 13 and younger may enter as a free spectator; however, they will not receive the benefits included with a Not-Just-A Spectator Pass. You must be 14 or older to participate in the Midway obstacles and challenges outside of the Kid's Area.

Teens 14 and older on race day may participate in the full Hero Rush course.*

For younger kids, there are two Firefighter Adventure Courses that will be fun and educational. Kids will learn fire safety fundamentals like dialing 911, how to stop, drop and roll and a home escape plan. We’re pretty sure some parents will learn a thing or two watching!

Kids 7-13* may run the Junior Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course, a half-mile course with smaller obstacles. This is a fun course that will also teach a thing or two about fire safety. All participants will 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.

For kids 4-6,* there’s the Mini Heroes Firefighter Adventure Course. This quick dash is free, but we encourage an onsite charitable donation. Kids participating in this race will get a Hero Rush Chief’s Hat and can sign up onsite in the children’s area.

Kids 13 and younger may enter the event as a free spectator; however, this does not include the benefits of buying a Not-Just-A Spectator Pass.

To register for the Junior Heroes race for those aged 7-13, you can buy tickets online, just like adult Rushers or (Not Just) Spectators. Simply go to your local event page and then click on "Register Now" - you'll be given the option for the kids course. For our Mini Heroes, aged 4-6, sign-up will take place onsite - just check-in at the children's area.

*EVERYONE under 18 must have parental permission to participate in any Hero Rush course or Inferno Midway challenges. A parent/guardian must be present on race day and must sign a waiver form for each minor.

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! However, they will not receive the benefits included with a Not-Just-A Spectator Pass.

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.