Events
Youth 5K Run (16 and under)
Unknown Distance Run
Description
The 7th annual Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run (ABMPHR) will be held on Saturday, August 16th, 2025 at Eagle Island State Park and surrounding trail system. Eagle Island has done some renovations, and it is looking NICE!
Sign up, show up, and embrace the suck in the 5K, 10K, or signature Unknown Distance Run (we guarantee no less than 400M and no more than 50K, YOU WILL NOT KNOW the final distance until you finish.) We take great pride in delivering an awesome trail running experience, but this isn't a Boston Qualifier, there is no chip-timing, and no one cares if you walk the course. This event is about community and sacrifice, the routes are lined with pictures and stories of our brothers and sisters who gave their lives in the service of our Nation. Aaron's name is on the event, but our event honors ALL of the Fallen. Don't forget about our 16-and-under Youth 5K, we care deeply about youth leadership development and believe that it begins with exposure to service and sacrifice.
It's more than a run, it's an emotional and educational experience.
No posers, no egos. If you're down to clown with authentic veterans, first-responders, and patriots who celebrate the lives and legacies of those who gave all, this event is for you. Registration gets you access to the run, music, food, guest speakers, beer, non-alcoholic beverages, sweet raffle and auction items, and lots to do for kids. We sweat, we laugh, we cry (just to water our beards), and we support each other. Join us.
*NOTE: If you do not have a Idaho State Parks Pass, entry into the park will cost $7. We recommend car pooling with someone who has a parks pass. Or, BEFORE RACE DAY, please consider purchasing an annual parks pass for $10 here https://parksandrecreation.idaho.gov/idaho-state-parks-passport/ to get into all State Parks for a year.
Place
165 Eagle Island Parkway
Eagle, ID US 83616
More Than a Race
Race Contact Info
STAFF SERGEANT AARON BUTLER
Aaron was born in Monticello, UT. He was the seventh of eight children born to Randy and Laura Butler. From the beginning, Aaron has been a very determined, adventurous soul. As a young child, his bright blue eyes were always looking for mischief, which he usually found.
Throughout high school he excelled in music, football and his main focus, wrestling. He set a specific goal to become a four-time state wrestling champion. Through hard work and extraordinary determination, he realized his goal, becoming the first ever in Monticello High School history to achieve this mark and just the 17th wrestler in Utah State history.
From a very young age, Aaron became interested in the United States Military. As a first grader, he announced to his family that he would be a soldier when he grew up. From that time on he never once wavered in that resolve. On April 10, 2008, while still in high school, he enlisted in the Utah Army National Guard, where he laid the building blocks of his military career. In 2014, he began the grueling Special Forces Training program. On January 14, 2016 he graduated Special Forces Training and donned the Green Beret. He is one of four soldiers to graduate with honors. Since that day, he has been decorated with additional combat awards.
Aaron died on August 16, 2017 at the age of 27 in Nangarhar Province, Afghanistan, of injuries suffered from an improvised explosive device while clearing a booby-trapped building. Aaron was a natural-born leader. He was determined to become an elite soldier and always led from the front. He wanted to be the ‘tip of the spear’. He led by example and swift action. He personified the Army’s values in everything he said and did. He was a strength and inspiration to all those around him and a joy to his family.
Aaron was absolutely fearless, selfless, courageous and relentless. In a life that was all too brief, Aaron made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.
2025 Packet Pickup
ABMPHR Packet Pickup #1
Wednesday 08/13: 12pm-6pm
Location: Fleet Feet Nampa
ABMPHR Packet Pickup #2
Thursday 08/14: 12pm-6pm
Location: Shu's Idaho Running Company
ABMPHR Packet Pickup #3
Friday 08/15: 4pm-6pm
Location: TBD
*Packet pickup will be available on race day on a case by case basis only. Contact dan@aaronbutlermemorialfoundation.org*
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