Description
A collective endeavor, by a group of local leaders and friends, to bring the community together in an effort to raise awareness of and funds for blood cancer research, while honoring those who have battled or are currently battling blood cancer.
The roots of the Honored Hero Run (HHR) stem from a small race that was first run in October of 2008. The HHR, now in its fourth year, came to life in 2009 as a grassroots effort by a group of local leaders and friends who convened to create an event that would bring the community together in a collective effort to raise awareness of and funds for blood cancer research, while honoring those who have battled or are currently battling blood cancer.
The goal of the HHR Board of Directors is to put on a one-of-a-kind event that will offer a community atmosphere for individuals and families while raising funds for blood cancer research. In 2009 the HHR surpassed many first-time races, registering 353 participants. The overwhelming response to the first HHR made it possible to present a check for $3,000 directly to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program to fund blood cancer research. Our second year far surpassed our expectations registering 572 participants and allowing HHR to write a check for $10,000 to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.
To the founders of the HHR, Honored Heroes are a special group of people who have been directly touched by blood cancer. However, if you ask one of our Honored Heroes, they may be humbled and share with you that they have heroes in their own lives; people who have supported them during their battle. Past Honored Heroes have defined their heroes as parents, friends, family members, nurses and doctors. The HHR strives to recognize and honor these heroes as well.
Each year the HHR Board of Directors visits local hospitals; Cook Children’s, Medical City Dallas, and Children’s Medical Center - Dallas, offering the opportunity to young cancer patients to enter a logo contest. Three winners are chosen; Official Logo Artist (used for all promotional materials), Official T-Shirt Artist (used for Board of Directors, participant and volunteer t-shirts), and Official Sponsor Artist (used for race day sponsor board). This opportunity allows our community to truly be a part of the event on an ongoing basis and brings to light all the heroes we honor at the race. Winners are awarded a certificate from the HHR and are invited to attend the race as VIPs.
The HHR starts at the Trinity Park Shelter House, off of West 7 th , and offers a course meandering along the Trinity Trails. Three distances; 20-mile, Half Marathon, and 5K are offered to participants, as well as a Family Kids Run (1K). After completing their event, participants receive HHR medals, engraved with the logo winner’s artwork, and are welcomed to the official finish area. The HHR boasts a vast finish line spread of food and local vendors who offer everything from chiropractic consultations, massages, free food samples and information on sports nutrition. We also provide a kids area tovent family friendly. The kids area includes a bounce house, clowns, face painting and other kid-friendly activities for our younger attendees.
