On the heels of Independence Day, the “Honoring American Heroes 5K” and barbecue dinner will be held Friday at 6 p.m. at the Churchill County Fire Station.
In addition to the race, dinner and award reception, there will be a “My Hero” wall, so you can bring a photo and story of your own personal hero of any background to post on the wall. Military, police, fire, emergency medical services (EMS), and the Naval Air Station Fallon search and rescue (SAR) members are invited to the barbecue free of charge.
Race day registration starts at 6 p.m. followed by the national anthem at 6:15 p.m. The race will begin at 7 p.m. followed immediately by the dinner.
The fire station is located at 20 N. Carson St. in Fallon.
The Financial Horizons Credit Union in Fallon organizes a fundraiser every year with their Pennies Count Fund. The fund began in 1996 and asks credit union members to donate the “cents” from either cashing a check or a recurring direct deposit.
“This year,” said Angela Guthrie, who manages the Financial Horizons Credit Union in Fallon, “(the idea) came to us about all the people that really serve our community. We have such a small, tight-knit community, and there are so many amazing people who volunteer their time, from the fire department to the police officers and the sheriff.”
“There aren’t a lot of programs for them (for people) to actually donate to. And we at least wanted to thank them by inviting them out — they can just come get a free meal, and of course sign up to run if they want. You get some awesome, cool things to take home from the race too …It’ll be the perfect venue at the fire station.”
The first 150 registrants will receive a T-shirt, finisher medal and swag bag.
There’s a $5 run discount for military, police, fire, EMS and SAR members. Preregistration is closed as of last Friday and the cost is $30 the day of the race. For ages 12 and under, the cost is $15, and for a family of four (must be related), you can pay $60.
KBUL 98.1 radio in Reno is coming out to broadcast live throughout the evening.
After the event, the credit union staff will bring the “My Hero” wall display back to the office to continue to share it with passersby.
The fundraiser also has a dozen sponsors, and the proceeds from the entire event will be split among the service segment including the Fallon / Churchill Volunteer Fire Department, the Police Department Association, the Churchill County Sheriff Deputy Fund, Churchill County Search and Rescue, the Wounded Warrior Project and other active and retired military programs.
“Every year, our runs have gotten bigger and bigger, ” Guthrie said, “We had six runners at our first one, the Glow Run — then there was the PJ Jam & Jog with coffee and donuts. This is the biggest one we’ve ever done … We have special guests we’re excited about … Tim Hall, who lost his legs in Afghanistan several years ago and lives in Hawthorne will be there ...."
Registration forms are available at www.fhcunv.org or can be picked up at the credit union on 2711 Reno Hwy. in Fallon. Call 775-428-6768 with questions.