Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run: Idaho

This is a celebration of all US servicemembers who have given their lives or parts of themselves physically in combat operations around the globe. The after party promises to be epic. We will have local beer, music, food, local coffee, and lots to do for kids. All race proceeds will go to the Aaron Butler Memorial Foundation (a 501C3 nonprofit). This event was created by local Purple Heart recipients, and there will be an opportunity for all participants and supporters to meet and learn from those men and women who have been wounded in combat. The race courses will be lined with pictures and stories about Purple Heart Recipients who gave their lives in the Global War on Terror (since 9/11/2001). Bring out your families, let your children meet and absorb the words of Gold Star families (who have lost loved ones in combat), Vietnam War Purple Heart Recipients, and Purple Heart Recipients from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. They are among us every day, this in a unique opportunity for all of us to see and hear from local community members who have given more than most for our Nation.

Packet Pickup times for the 2024 Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run are scheduled! Please pickup up your packets before race day (August 17th) to avoid mass-chaos! Race shirt sizes are available on a "first-come, first-served" basis.

Wednesday, August 14th
12pm-6pm
Fleet Feet Nampa

Thursday, August 15th
4pm-6:00pm
Shu's Idaho Running Company

Friday, August 16th
4pm-6:30pm
Stephen C. Guerber Park

Saturday, August 17th (Race day)
7:30am-9am
Eagle Bike Park (Race location)

Q: How far is the Unknown Distance Run?
A: …Not telling. It will not be announced, it will be run and discovered by a hearty crowd. We promise no less than 400 meters, and no more than a 50K. If you're looking at our schedule of events and want to ensure you get to attend the guest speakers, auction, etc. - this may not be you, or maybe it is! Get comfortable being uncomfortable and inoculate yourself with some uncertainty. Embrace the suck.

Q: My kids are running the Youth 5K, can I run with them?
A: Of course! The Youth 5K and "regular" 5K routes are the same, and they start at the same time, so you can sign yourself up for the 5K or just accompany your registered kid (at your own risk).

Q: Do all race events start at the same time?
A: Yup, it's a shotgun start with everyone launching at the same time. When you hear the National Anthem, get ready for a moment of reflection and a mass start. There is no chip timing, it's not a Boston Marathon Qualifier, it's more than a run. If anyone knocks over a kid because they want to be in front shall be publicly shamed and crotch punched repeatedly by ABMF staff.

Q: Where do I park on race day?
A: Our event encompasses the entire Eagle Sports Complex, including parking lots at the BMX Park, RC Offroad Car Track, and by the Skatepark/Basketball Court (closest to our social area and start/finish). Please arrive early if you want a short walk to our social area, otherwise - enjoy your tour of the Eagle Sports Complex! Please follow the directions of our contracted MAV Event Parking Coordinators!

Q: What's the race day schedule look like?
A: RACE DAY TIMELINE:
0730: Volunteer Showtime/Late Packet Pickup Opens
0830: Social Party Begins (Food, fun, beer, ice cream available)
0900: Opening Ceremony (don't miss this)
0910: Shotgun Start
1010: Raffle Begins
1030: Silent Auction Opens
1115: Awards Ceremony (top 3 men's and women's in all events)
1130: Guest Speakers Begin (these two are legit)
1215: Silent Auction Closes
1230: Closing

Q: Do you offer a virtual run option?
A: Unfortunately, no. The ABMPHR is really a lot more than a run. It is a meaningful experience and celebration of sacrifice that we can’t do justice by letting people pay to just run.

Q: Did you guys change venue?
A: Yup! Back to our original 2019 venue! Our event will take place on August 17th at the Eagle Bike Park, in Eagle Idaho

Q: Are your trail routes suitable for adaptive athletes or wheelchair athletes?
A: The 5K route is accessible. The 10K route is more narrow and can make cause issues for those pushing strollers or using chairs. We don't recommend this year's Unknown Distance Run route to athletes using wheelchairs/GRIT chairs.

Q: Are you guys doing a raffle and auction again this year?
A: You bet! We will be raffling off a wide array of items, from custom woodworked flags to gift certificates to local places. We will be auctioning off some amazing gift items from Overland Armament and Hawktech Arms this year. Keep an eye on our socials to see them! Must be present at the event to win!

Q: Who are the guest speakers this year?
A: We're stoked to have two amazing dudes: Dan Keller and Adam Butler.

Dan is one of only 203 recipients of the Air Force Cross (second only to the Medal of Honor) for valor in combat. He is also one of only 243 recipients of the Airman's Medal for exceptional heroism outside of combat operations. Dan was embedded with Aaron Butler's Special Forces Detachment throughout its 2017 battle with ISIS-K terrorists in Afghanistan. Learn more about Dan's experience: https://coffeeordie.com/air-force-cross-keller

Adam is a police officer and a Gold Star sibling. Adam the youngest brother of the ABMF's namesake, Aaron Butler, and serves as the President of the grassroots nonprofit Aaron Butler Memorial Foundation.

RACE DAY TIMELINE:
0730: Volunteer Showtime/Late Packet Pickup Opens
0830: Social Party Begins (Music, food, fun, beer, ice cream) Food from Big K BBQ will be available throughout the event!
0900: Opening Ceremony (don't miss this)
0910: Shotgun Start
1010: Raffle Begins
1030: Silent Auction Opens (Custom fishing rods, wood crafts, and custom yeet-cannons (firearms) from our amazing sponsors!)
1130: Guest Speakers Begin (these two are legit)
1215: Silent Auction Closes
1245: Closing

It's here! 5 kilometers of well marked, hot, dusty trails! Embrace the suck! ABMF has changed the route to be more available to adaptive athletes and youth participants. It's still challenging, but with wider trails (w/ less camber) and has a little less vert. 

It's here! 10 kilometers of well marked, hot, dusty trails! Embrace the suck!

NOT SUITABLE FOR WIDE STROLLERS

We promise no more than 50 kilometers, and no less than 400 meters. You will not know the total distance until you cross the finish line, you will follow the "UKD?" signs until you complete the course... Get right with that if you can...

NOT SUITABLE FOR WIDE STROLLERS OR FOR THE FAINT OF HEART

Aaron was born in Monticello, UT. He was the seventh of eight children born to Randy and Laura Butler. He has one sister – Shannon – whom he adores, and six brothers – Shane, Quinn, Nathan, Andy, Chad and Adam – who have been his companions through life.

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.

He was so full of life, happiness and endless energy! He loved the outdoor adventures best and could usually be found with a stick or a critter in his hands! He participated in and enjoyed the Boy Scouts of America, eventually earning the rank of Eagle Scout.

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.

In 2009, Aaron volunteered himself for full-time service as a missionary of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He was called to labor in the Ghana Cape Coast Mission in Africa.

For two years, he worked tirelessly, teaching the gospel of Jesus Christ to the Ghanaian people. He served them with a great love and compassion.

He aided them in building and improving homes, wells and made numerous additional efforts in their behalf.

His dedicated service to others in this way highlights a distinct trait in his personality and soul. He cared about his fellowman, their safety and wellbeing. He served others with the love of Jesus Christ.

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, our dear son and brother made the ultimate sacrifice for his country.

Aaron is survived by his parents Randy and Laura Butler of Monticello; fiancé Alexandria Seagroves of Cedar Hills, UT; siblings Shannon (Brad) Young of St. George, UT, Shane (Michelle) of American Fork, UT, Quinn (Leesa) of Pleasant Grove, UT, Nathan (Brooke) of Bluffdale, UT, Andy (Tori) of Saratoga Springs, UT, Chad of Bluffdale, UT and Adam Butler of Heber City, UT; grandparents Pat and Marva Butler of Monticello and Stan (Diane) Augustine of Kettle Falls, WA; and 25 nieces and nephews.