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Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run: Idaho logo

Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run: Idaho

Sat, Aug 15, 2026, 9:00 AM MDT

Location
Eagle, ID
Eagle Island State Park, 165 Eagle Island Parkway, 83616
Type
RUN

Sign up and verify details on the organizer’s official page.

At a glance

A unique trail run honoring fallen service members, featuring an "Unknown Distance" challenge and a vibrant community gathering.

  • Fun
  • Scenic
  • Quirky
  • Festive
  • For a Cause

Great for: cause-driven runners

The Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run is an impactful trail event held at Eagle Island State Park, honoring fallen service members. Beyond the unique "Unknown Distance Run" and traditional 10K, it offers a deeply communal and educational experience. Participants are invited to embrace the challenge alongside veterans, first responders, and patriots, celebrating legacies of sacrifice. The event fosters youth leadership and culminates in a lively gathering with music, food, and activities for all ages. It's a powerful day of remembrance and connection.

What to expect

  • A trail running experience at Eagle Island State Park.
  • Choose from a 10K or the signature "Unknown Distance Run" where the final mileage is a surprise.
  • Enjoy a post-run gathering with music, food, guest speakers, and activities for kids.

Standout details

  • Signature Unknown Distance Run
  • Honors fallen service members
  • Youth 5K for leadership development
  • Post-race gathering with food and music

Auto-drafted from the public listing — confirm details on the official event page before signing up.

Distances & registration

4 options

Registration for all distances is through the official signup link above.

  • 5K

    Sat, Aug 15, 9:00 AM MDT · From $22.20

    Opens Feb 28, 2026, 7:00 PM MST · Closes May 30, 2026, 7:59 PM MDT

  • 5K

    Sat, Aug 15, 9:00 AM MDT · From $32.80

    Opens Feb 28, 2026, 7:00 PM MST · Closes May 30, 2026, 7:59 PM MDT

  • 10K

    Sat, Aug 15, 9:00 AM MDT · From $32.80

    Opens Feb 28, 2026, 7:00 PM MST · Closes May 30, 2026, 7:59 PM MDT

+ 1 more option
  • Unknown Distance Run

    Sat, Aug 15, 9:00 AM MDT · From $32.80

    Opens Feb 28, 2026, 7:00 PM MST · Closes May 30, 2026, 7:59 PM MDT

Vibe Check

Easygoing

Distance only — terrain and weather data unavailable.

The course

From the organizer

The 8th annual Aaron Butler Memorial Purple Heart Run (ABMPHR) will be held on Saturday, August 15th, 2026 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.

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