Over 60,000 thousand Americans lived out their promise to never forget during the 9/11 Heroes Run races across the country, marking the 25th anniversary of 9/11 in a meaningful way. Since 2008, Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) has hosted the annual event in cities and towns across the country to honor the lives lost on 9/11 and in the wars that followed. 

In Honor & Remembrance 

In Jacksonville, Florida, 17-year old Mary Rueda, a 9/11 Heroes Run volunteer, spoke about her connection to 9/11. Her dad, Nicholas Rueda—a friend and classmate of Travis Manion’s at the US Naval Academy—started the Jacksonville race in 2012 as a way to honor his friend and the legacy of all first responders and service members lost on or in the wars that followed 9/11. 

“I grew up in a big military family,” Mary says. “‘If Not Me, Then Who…’” was said frequently in our house and held as a standard of how we should be living and acting. Though I wasn’t alive on 9/11, I am definitely greatly impacted by it and the sacrifice made by all who were there and those who have served since.” 

In Charleston, SC, an 87-year-old Navy and Air Force veteran with 50 years of service crossed the 9/11 Heroes Run finish line flanked by American flags and fellow racers. Chants of “USA” rose above the cheers.

A veteran in Arlington, Virginia, in full rucking gear shared his reason for participating in the 9/11 Heroes Run. “I am doing this today for my fallen brothers we lost during Operation Anaconda (in Afghanistan, 2002),” he said. “I fought the first 10 months of the war and I’m always honored to be here every year since TMF started this to honor not only our locals, but everyone who gave.” 

Carrying forward the Mission

Thanks to a generous grant from 9/11 Day and AmeriCorps, three 9/11 Heroes Run events expanded their impact beyond the race itself. At events in Charleston, Annapolis and Houston, participants of all ages wrote letters of gratitude and encouragement to first responders, service members, and others who serve their communities and our country.

In Houston and Charleston, participants also turned remembrance into action through 9/11 Day service projects. Charleston volunteers prepared meals for veterans and their families staying at Fisher House Charleston, which provides free lodging and support to military and veteran families while a loved one receives medical care. In Houston, volunteers helped beautify the grounds of a multi-service center in Fifth Ward in honor of a fallen hero.

The 9/11 Heroes Run that began the tradition 18 years ago, in Doylestown, PA, closed the race season on Sunday, October 4th. More than 1,500 runners participated, and over 300 volunteers supported this race.

This 2026 race season showed that communities across the country will never forget the lives lost on September 11, 2001, or the service and sacrifice of those who answered the call in its aftermath. 

Feeling inspired? Visit our Get Involved page to check out ongoing opportunities throughout the year.