Join us for the fifth annual 5K at Ariel-Foundation Park on May 6 at 9 a.m. This event consists of our 5K run/walk that will take you through beautiful Ariel-Foundation Park. The course will be a combination of trail and road running. You can run or walk, and bring your furry friends too. Additionally, the Ohio Army National Guard will have an interactive static display. Register today at paddleforheroesmidwest.org.

Who we are

Paddle for Heroes is dedicated to helping people stay healthy and active and to continue to achieve our mission of helping veterans and first responders. We are a nonprofit organization that is focused on helping veterans, first responders and their families get out on the water with river cleanups, paddling expeditions and the therapeutic healing of paddling. 

Each year, Paddle for Heroes does several river cleanups on the Mohican River, the Kokosing River and other rivers in the region. This is a great way to get out on the water and help keep our waterways clean. In 2019, Paddle for Heroes raised over $35,000 to have an ADA-accessible kayak launch installed at Ariel-Foundation Park and are currently helping raise funds for an ADA-accessible kayak launch at the William R. Gaines Jr. Veterans Memorial Park in Port Charlotte, Florida. Paddle for Heroes will be launching on their seventh annual 160-mile paddle from Mount Vernon to Marietta on June 10 in honor of Danville police officer Tom Cottrell.

There is more to come, and we believe this will be our best year yet. We hope that you can join us for this exciting event. Please follow our Facebook page or our website at paddleforheroesmidwest.org to see our upcoming events and news. If you are not able to attend, consider donating to a great cause. We hope to see you on race day!