A Salute to Our Heroes

Heroes Off-Road Color Run in St. Helen this October

By Melissa Sullivan, Contributing Writer

In the recreational town of St. Helen, Michigan, a spectacular event awaits off-road enthusiasts and heroes alike. This October, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run, hosted by The Heroes Operation, promises an unforgettable experience that combines the thrill of off-road adventure with the splendor of up-norths vibrant fall colors. Embracing the spirit of community, gratitude, and adventure, this event is set to unite participants and celebrate the heroes among us.

The Heroes Off-Road Color Run is more than just an adrenaline-packed adventure; it is a heartfelt tribute to the everyday heroes who selflessly serve our communities. From the brave first responders and valiant veterans to the dedicated healthcare workers and essential service providers, this event honors their dedication and sacrifices.

Participants, spectators, and organizers alike will come together to pay tribute to these heroes, recognizing the immense contributions they make to society. The event serves as a platform to express gratitude and respect for their unwavering commitment to our safety and freedom. Some are already fans of the off-road lifestyle others enjoy the opportunity to get a taste of what going off-road has to offer.

This is the 3rd year the event will hit the trails of St. Helen. The Heroes Off-Road Color Run provides participants with an exhilarating route of about 70 miles of varying terrain with multiple destinations along the route. As a participant you have the option to join one of the groups and follow along the predetermined route, or you can make the run with your group on your own, at your own pace.

The event starts out at the St. Helen VFW with a powerful flag raising and national anthem sung by Kyle Jennings. Two groups of ORVs will head out in opposite directions visiting the Ogemaw County Nature Park, Clear Lake Bar, The Angry Oven, and The Fire House before heading back to the VFW for a delicious meal, raffles, and a concert by Kyle Jennings. At each stop volunteers will be set up allowing participants to select a card to build their poker hand.

What truly sets this event apart is the organization that hosts it. The Heroes Operation was born from a deep desire to help the men and women in uniform who have sacrificed so much to keep us safe and free. Being “Heroes” themselves they wanted to celebrate and thank them differently and add element of fun off road. The ability to interact with and thank those who have done so much for our country and freedom really transforms this off-road adventure into a truly unique experience.

Beyond the adrenaline rush and visual spectacle, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run fosters a sense of camaraderie and unity within the community. As participants embark on their colorful journey, they share in the spirit of celebration and appreciation for the heroes around them. At each stop there is an opportunity to mingle, check out the awesome ORV’s and hear the stories of the heroes were celebrating.

This event creates lasting connections among people from diverse backgrounds, allowing them to bond over a shared appreciation for adventure and heroism. It serves as a reminder that heroism can be found in everyday actions and that we all have the capacity to be heroes in our own way. My husband and I volunteer each year to lead groups of around 50 ORVs to each destination. Each year we are greeted by familiar faces, and I look forward to seeing the friends we met the year before. The first year I led the ride I had the honor of meeting Barb Ingle a retired Navy Veteran. She participates each year on this ride and also joins me now at other off-road events I’d Brap That hosts with The Heroes Operation throughout the year.

While I navigate the terrain and lead my group each year I am overwhelmed with the responsibility of the task, keeping everyone together and on time. It always makes me pause and think about what responsibility our veterans, active military, and heroes take on. I only have to get 50 ORVs through the trails and back, they face responsibilities and obstacles Ill never know.

The Heroes Operation, driven by its commitment to giving back, has partnered with local businesses for this event. Participants, sponsors, and volunteers all play a crucial role in making this philanthropic endeavor a success.

With the spirit of gratitude, unity, and adventure at its core, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run promises to leave a lasting impact on both the participants and the community it supports. As the dust settles and the colors fade, one thing remains certain: the hero within each individual will be unleashed, ready to make a difference in the world and we will celebrate the ones who already have!

As the vibrant autumn colors begin to paint the landscape of St. Helen, the Heroes Off-Road Color Run beckons adventurers, heroes, and kind-hearted individuals to join in the celebration. This October, participants will experience an off-road adventure like no other, enveloped in a flurry of vibrant colors while paying homage to the heroes who inspire us all.

Please consider joining this offroad adventure October 14th in St. Helen, Mi. Learn more and register online at https://www.theheroesoperation.org/color-run.

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