The fourth annual 9/11 Heroes Run will take place Sunday, September 8 at the Navy Marine Corps Memorial Stadium at 2 pm. The 5k race and 1-mile fun run to honor the fallen and support veterans, families of the fallen and local first responders. The opening ceremony is at 1:45 pm.
An estimated 25,000 runners, 50,000 spectators, and 2,000 volunteers around the world will unite on the weekend of September 7 for the annual 9/11 Heroes Run, which the Travis Manion Foundation created to honor heroes of the September 11 terrorist attacks and the brave men and women who have stepped forward to defend our country in the twelve years since.
From Afghanistan to Annapolis, thousands of Americans touched by the heroism of American troops, police officers, firefighters, first responders, and citizens will unite. Close to 50 races across the globe are planned for 2013, with half of net proceeds benefiting the Travis Manion Foundation, which helps families of the fallen, veterans, and active duty troops. The remaining 50 percent will be redistributed to local charities, including the E.S. Garnett Annapolis Firemen’s Welfare Fund.
The 9/11 Heroes Run was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion’s visit to Rescue Team One in New York City shortly before his second and final combat deployment. Travis, who was posthumously awarded the Silver Star and Bronze Star with Valor for the courage he displayed under fire, was killed by an enemy sniper in Fallujah, Iraq on April 29, 2007.
After her only son’s death, Travis’ mother, Janet Manion, founded the Travis Manion Foundation with a mission of honoring the fallen by challenging the living. The 9/11 Heroes Run is one of the Foundation’s pillar programs, which also include Honor the Fallen initiatives and the Character Does Matter leadership program. Travis was a 2004 graduate of the US Naval Academy.
Not long after she was diagnosed with cancer, Janet Manion delivered a stirring speech stating that the annual runs offer a way for all Americans to show their appreciation for the victims of the 9/11 attacks, the first responders who risk their lives to save others, and the U.S. troops who volunteer to serve their country during a time of war.
Janet Manion died on April 24, 2012, but her legacy, along with her son’s, lives on. From war zones to Annapolis, thousands of Americans will come together in September to run, volunteer, donate, cheer, and most importantly…honor.
For registration and information about the 9/11 Heroes Run, please visit www.911heroesrun.com.
