Click Here to Register for the Challenge
Do You Have What It Takes to Finish?
10+ Obstacles
5+ Miles
The Norwich Semper Fortis Society is CHALLENGING you!! The Brian R. Bill Memorial Challenge is a winter military-style obstacle course held yearly at historic Norwich University, Northfield, VT. This will be the hardest thing you have done all year! It is held in honor of the fallen hero and Navy SEAL Brian R. Bill NU '01. We are calling on the Norwich community to take on the Challenge and honor Brian! This year's challenge will be a mass start and push our participants in a five-mile course with 10 plus obstacles.
Register online or in person at Wise Campus Center with Semper Fortis. Prizes for top finishers, a light breakfast, and lunch are included.
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Brian Robert Bill was killed on August 6, 2011, participating with his SEAL teammates in a daring nighttime mission in Wardak Province, Afghanistan, when the Chinook helicopter they were flying was shot down by enemy fire. Norwich students host the race each year to remember the sacrifice of Brian R. Bill and others in the protection of our freedoms.
Event Details and Schedule - Timing may change
Date: Sunday, March 30, 2025
Registration: 0800 to 0830
Introduction: 0830 to 0840
Race Start: 0840 - The Challenge will start in multiple heats depending on final registration numbers. The heats will start within 15 minutes of each other.
Time Limit: The course will close by 1150.
Closing and Awards Ceremony - 1200 - Includes a message from Dr. Michael and Mrs. Patricia Parry P'01 - parents of Brian R. Bill.
Where: Andrews Gym - Norwich University - The Challenge begins and ends at Andrews Gym. The closing ceremonies will also occur here.
Cost: Individual Runner - $20 (includes a Brian Bill Memorial Challenge shirt)
Team Registration - Four Runners - $80 (includes four BBMC shirts) - Teams of Six can be accommodated upon request.
Participants will race around the Norwich campus, stopping to complete fitness challenges at assigned sites along the course route (burpees, push-ups, sit-ups, etc.). Expect the weather to be a bit chilly; however, running shoes and shorts are recommended for the race. Gloves are also recommended. Water and snacks will be available at the race.
Follow the Brian Bill Memorial Challenge Instagram page or Facebook page for updates and more information.
For any questions regarding registration or the event, please email Paul Morgan or call at 802-485-2903. A waiver will be completed at registration.
Good Luck!
CHIEF SPECIAL WARFARE OPERATOR (SEAL) BRIAN R. BILL ’01
Brian was born on August 23, 1979 in Stamford, Connecticut. He graduated from Trinity Catholic High School in June 1997. He then attended Norwich University, graduating in May 2001 with a degree in electrical engineering, enlisted in the United States Navy in July 2001, and reported to Naval Recruit Training Command in Great Lakes, Illinois.
In September 2001, he completed basic training and reported to A-school at NATTC PENSACOLA FL for three months. In December 2001, he entered BUD/S (Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL) training, one of the most grueling and demanding training programs in the military. Upon graduation from BUDS, Brian proceeded to Advanced SEAL Qualification Training, earning his trident in June 2003.
Brian was assigned to his first permanent duty station, SEAL Team EIGHT in Virginia Beach, Virginia, from June 2003 to July 2007. In July 2007, he began a rigorous selection and training course with Naval Special Warfare Development Group (NSWDG). Nine months after successfully completing this rigorous process, Brian was assigned to one of the Development Group teams. As a US Navy SEAL, he completed numerous deployments around the world in support of the Global War on Terrorism.
Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Brian Bill was a highly decorated combat veteran with numerous awards, including the Bronze Star Medal with Valor (4), including one for extraordinary heroism, Purple Heart Medal, Defense Meritorious Service Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal with Valor, Navy and Marine Corps Commendation Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Combat Action Ribbon (2), Presidential Unit Citation (2), Navy Unit Commendation, Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, and numerous other personal and unit decorations.
On August 6, 2011, a Chinook helicopter, call sign Extortion 17, was shot down by enemy fire in Afghanistan taking the lives of 30 Americans and one working military dog on board. Brian was one of 17 SEALs aboard that helicopter. He is survived by his loving parents, brothers, sisters, and numerous other family, friends, and teammates.
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