Exeter Day School 5K Trail Race and Kids Fun Run

Come celebrate the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at the inaugural running of the Pursuit of Happiness 5k! Hosted by the American Independence Center, the race starts and finishes in historic downtown Exeter, the Revolutionary Capital of New Hampshire. The race route will take you past the iconic Exeter Bandstand, the Old Town Hall, and the site of the Town House Common where the Declaration of Independence was first read to the citizens of New Hampshire on July 16, 1776!

Connor’s Climb is more than a 5K — it’s a chance to take action for youth mental health.

By registering and fundraising for Connor’s Climb, you are supporting Connor’s Climb Foundation, a local nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention education. Funds raised through this event help provide school-based programming, community workshops, and youth-led initiatives that raise awareness, reduce stigma, and equip young people with tools to support themselves and one another.

Fundraise for Impact

Participants are encouraged to fundraise as individuals or teams. Share your story, honor someone you love, or simply invite friends and family to support your climb. Every dollar raised helps expand the Foundation’s reach — including its Youth Ambassador Program, which empowers students to be peer leaders and mental health advocates in their schools.

An Event for Everyone

Connor’s Climb welcomes runners, walkers, families, and participants of all ages and abilities. Whether you’re going for a personal best or walking in remembrance, you’ll be part of a supportive, purpose-driven community — because no one should have to climb alone.

Register. Fundraise. Make an impact.

Join us for the Walk On 5K — Run, Walk, Roll, a timed 5K in Exeter, NH, bringing our community together to support families affected by Limb-Girdle Muscular Dystrophy (LGMD). Proceeds will benefit the Bailey girls, in partnership with the Dion Foundation for Children with Rare Disease. Our race will start and finish at Exeter High School!

In the summer of 2025, sisters Kennedy (9) and Berkeley (6) Bailey were diagnosed with LGMD type 2C, a rare and progressive neuromuscular disease. From the moment they received this diagnosis, their family has faced it with strength and determination—committed to pursuing treatment options and supporting the advancement of research.

Through their partnership with the Dion Foundation, this event helps raise awareness and critical funding—not only for Kennedy and Berkeley, but for all families navigating LGMD.

This day is about more than fundraising. It’s about showing up—with energy, encouragement, and community—so these girls feel supported every step of the way.

We invite you to be part of it: register, donate, volunteer, and follow their journey on social media (@walkonlgmd). Your support truly means everything.

And to our sponsors—thank you for helping make this event possible!

Please note:

Strollers are welcome, in addition to handcycles and wheelchairs! No bicycles, and no dogs~ sorry!

This is a charity 5K and, in the event of cancellation for any reason, registration fees are non-refundable. Thank you for your understanding.

SCPO DANIEL R. HEALY

Senior Chief Petty Officer Daniel R. Healy, US Navy SEAL, BUD/S Class 176, SEAL Delivery Vehicle Team One, Pearl Harbor, Hawaii, was born on July 17, 1968 in Exeter, NH and KIA in the Hindu Kush mountains of Kunar Province, Afghanistan on June 28, 2005 during Operation Red Wings.

SCPO Healy was lost when the MH-47 helicopter he was aboard on a rescue mission was shot down when going to the aid of a team of four SEALs on a reconnaissance mission who were embroiled in a battle with a larger force of the Taliban. When word got back to base about their plight, their fellow SEALs went into action filling two helicopters to go to their aid. Due to his rank as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, Dan Healy did not have to go on that mission, but he insisted. Taking men off of the lead helicopter SCPO Healy told the others “Those are my men and my face is going to be the first one they see”.

For his actions, SCPO Healy was posthumously awarded the Bronze Star with Combat “V” for Valor, the Purple Heart and Afghanistan Campaign Medal. SCPO Healy’s other awards include Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal Joint Meritorious Unit Award, Meritorious Unit Commendation, Good Conduct Medal (3), and the National Defense Service Medal.

MISSION OF THE DAN HEALY FOUNDATION

TO UPHOLD THE HONOR AND DEDICATION EXEMPLIFIED BY SENIOR CHIEF HEALY IN HIS HEROIC EFFORTS BY BEING OF SERVICE TO THE SEACOAST, NH COMMUNITY THROUGH THE FOLLOWING RESOURCES:

SCHOLARSHIPS- To area students entering the military or a trade school

VETERANS- Aiding Seacoast area veterans in various ways

SINGLE PARENTS- Offering a grant to deserving single parents

SHIRTS ARE ONLY GUARANTEED IF REGISTERED BY OCTOBER 1, 2026!