Tier 2: Take Up Your Cross

Start Point: Grand St & NB General Hospital, Walnut Hill Park, New Britain CT

Distance: 1 - 20+ miles (You do not have to do the full distance, do what you can!)

Event Ascent: 5056ft

Event Descent: 4730ft

Target Avg. Pace: 2.6mph

Hiking time: 1hrs-8hrs

The Take Up Your Cross Tier

This Tier references Matthew 16: 24-26 "Then Jesus told his disciples, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it. For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall man give in return for his soul?" This Tier is a call to live with intention and sacrifice to lay aside comforts, desires, and walk with conviction for greater purpose. It's about choosing discipline over ease and walking a path that reflects integrity, humility, and endurance through adversity.

The warfighters we’re supporting—Combat Controllers, Pararescuemen, TACP, and Special Reconnaissance veterans—live this mindset every day. Through their discipline and sacrifice, they face extreme challenges, both in service and after. I’m asking others to walk in solidarity with them, one step at a time.

Each day of the challenge will begin with a short sermon. A theme for the day will compliment the sermon to help guide your thoughts, along with a brief story featuring from one of the AFSW career fields so you can better understand the warriors you're supporting and allow you to reflect on everything in how in can help you overcome your own adversities.

There’s no time or distance requirement for this tier—it's about personal growth and commitment. Whether you go a few miles or push yourself further, the journey is yours to shape. Once you register, you'll receive a detailed Information packet with everything you need to prepare.

The hike itself is a single-day event, starting at Rattlesnake Mountain and ending—up to 20+ miles later—on the far side of Castle Craig. Expect breathtaking views, rugged terrain, and a deep sense of purpose with every step.

There's an Information packet below with everything you need to prepare (Navigation, Communications, Water Tables, Basic Food Recommendations, Emergencies, and any other Equipment Recommendations). For further question's there will be a scheduled zoom meeting Sep. 26th @ 7:00pm, so please read through the packet and have your questions prepared. Link for the meeting time is in the packet below.

Tier 2 GPX File: https://drive.google.com/uc?export=download&id=17D3vgzBLrtQL0blH0K7oIbJeTwisbYCd