Honoring heroes, supporting families, engaging communities
Washington State
Fallen Heroes Project
honoring heroes, supporting families, engaging communities
March for the Fallen is a 5, 10 or 15.6k ruck, run or walk
held in Riverside State Park on the
Saturday closest to 9/11.
This year's March will be held September 12, 2026 and
registration will open Memorial Day weekend.
March for the Fallen
My Story
March for the Fallen is a fully supported ruck, run or walk held in Spokane, WA on the Saturday closest to 9/11.
It was started in 2014 by 1SG Mike Stutzke (US Army, ret), in honor and remembrance of Army SPC Jeremiah Schmunk, killed on 9 July 2004 in Baghdad, Iraq. The original 15.6 km distance was in recognition of SPC Schmunk and the 156 KIA from WA at that time.
Now more than a decade later, the March honors all who served post 9/11 and died in service or as a result of that service.
Both competitive and non-competitive options are available along the memorable, banner-lined route through Riverside State Park. The March culminates with a BBQ, raffle, commemorative t-shirts, ruck patches, military static displays and more.
Mark your calendars for September 12, 2026, and please visit our race site for more details. To go register click here
Thank you for supporting this important event, bringing appreciation and remembrance of all who fight for our flag, and supporting the families who have been handed one.
March for the Fallen Registration 2026
March for the Fallen Registration 2026
March for the Fallen Registration 2026
Registration for March for the Fallen 2026 is open, and thanks to our main sponsors, John & Kathy Nydegger, it's still just $30!
Choose from a 5, 10 or 15.6k ruck, run or walk, lined with Fallen Hero banners along a beautiful Riverside course.
What do you get for your $30? The best deal in town!
Timed events, awards, best ever tees from Cascadia Screen Printing, bbq, Franz grilled cheese (!), Masters Brewhouse beer garden, outdoor games, live music, camaraderie, raffles and more!
March for the Fallen is an opportunity to honor our fallen and support the families alongside local veteran/military organizations. All in a family-friendly, dog-friendly environment.
Registration is capped at 350, so don't wait!
Race Website
Additional race information can be found at http://www.marchforthefallen.com.
Place
Riverside State Park Seven Mile Airstrip
7 Mile Trailhead
Nine Mile Falls, WA US 99026
Description
Registration Opens Memorial Day Weekend, 2026!Choose from a timed 5, 10 or 15.6k ruck, run or walk.Ruckers, runners, walkers, kids and leashed dogs are welcome!Event tees
Ruck patches
BBQ
Historic Military Vehicles
Lawn games
Special pricing for kids 12 & under
Please note, this event takes place in Riverside State Park and a Discover Pass is REQUIRED in the Park and will be enforced.March for the Fallen is part of the WA State Fallen Heroes Project, a 501c3 with EIN 46-2481053, dedicated to honoring and remembering fallen military members, supporting their families, and engaging our communities in doing both. Thank you for your support!
Race Contact Info
If you have any questions about this race, click the button below.
AAMOT, ARRON
Birth Date:
Apr 12, 1987
Passing Date:
Nov 5, 2009
Hometown:
CUSTER
State :
WA
Branch:
ARMY
Rank :
E-4/Specialist
Fallen Story
Aaron Seth Aamot was born on April 12, 1987 in his grandmother’s house on the Guide Meridian, Bellingham, WA. Aaron was raised in Whatcom County on a small farm in Custer, WA. He was active in the Critters & Co. 4-H Club and the Ferndale FFA. The Whatcom Youth Fair and the Northwest Washington Fair were favorite events for Aaron.
The attacks on September 11, 2001, gave Aaron the determination to serve his country in the armed forces. After graduating from Ferndale High School in 2006, he went to Basic Training in Fort Benning, Georgia. After being stationed at Fort Lewis, Aaron enjoyed his role driving a Stryker vehicle in the newly formed 5th Stryker Brigade.
The 5-2 SBCT deployed in July 2009 to the area around Kandahar. Aaron was driving his Stryker on a patrol when it hit a buried explosive. He was killed in action on 05 November, 2009 in Afghanistan.
Aaron is survived by his parents, Mark and Julie (Hinds) Aamot of Custer; siblings, Matthew (Angela), Joshua, Nellie (Ricky) Huisman, Benjamin (Catrina); Dale; Ethan; and Daniel. Grandparents are the late Arnold Aamot and Charlotte (Reeck) Aamot of Bellingham, and William and Donna (McDougle) Hinds of Sedro-Woolley. Aaron was a devoted uncle to nephews Elijah, Samuel, Oliver, and Nathaniel, and nieces, Evelyn, Janett, Ella, and Catherine. He is also survived by many aunts, uncles, and cousins.
Those wishing to honor Aaron’s memory and service may do so at any ICU branch where a fund has been started to benefit the 4-H Youth Programs in Whatcom County. Aaron’s family also requests that the community keep the soldiers who are still in harm’s way and their families in prayer.
The Washington State Fallen Heroes Project proudly remembers SPC Aaron Aamot for his service, sacrifice, and commitment to our nation. Our hope is that his life continues to inspire all who learn his story.