The annual half marathon from Prairie City to John Day has gone by many names over the years, including the Half Fast and the Strawberry Mountain Family Half Marathon. Beginning in 2013, the race was renamed the Hilton Half and Family Fun Run in honor of our friend, TR Hilton.
TR lived big. He served the people of Grant County for over 25 years as a paramedic and head of the ambulance service for Blue Mountain Hospital, saving countless lives along the way and earning the nickname of 'Superman', because truly, he was Superman. There was nothing he couldn't do...at least there was nothing that could keep him from doing what he wanted to do. When TR took up running a few years ago, he ran a marathon, never mind what his back surgeon said. Whenever there was a running or biking event in Grant County, he was there. He never won a race, but it didn't matter to him, because he wasn't racing against you--he was competing with himself. He was a proud husband, father, and grandfather, but for some reason he didn't like to be called a grandpa...at least not near the end of a long run! His stubborn determination was contagious, and he would often say of a challenge, "Any idiot can do it!" In May of 2013, TR was doing something he loved, riding his bike while training for a 200-mile ride, when he collapsed unexpectedly and died soon after. He leaves a big hole in our community and in our hearts. He will always be remembered by all who knew and loved him...and by all who aspire to be like Superman.
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