The Travis Manion Foundation (TMF), one the nation’s leading veterans advocacy organizations, is hosting its flagship event - the 10th annual 9/11 Heroes Memorial run in more than 50 communities across the country and around the world this September, including locally in in Annapolis, MD, and Alexandria, VA. The annual race series unites communities across the country to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11, as well as to honor our veterans, military, and first responders who serve our country. Proceeds from the 9/11 Heroes Run will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations.
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K series was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 as he selflessly protected his battalion. Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in NYC—famous for losing almost all of their men on 9/11—and returned home with deeper passion about why he was fighting in Iraq. At its heart, the 9/11 Heroes Run is a tribute to a personal commitment to never forget the heroes of that day. Now in its tenth year, the 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in more than 50 locations across the country and around the world. As part of the marketing campaign for the race series, TMF has released a video to inspire runners and walkers of all ages to participate, which can be seen here.
Last year, more than 50,000 people participated in race locations around the world or as virtual runners, to support military, veterans, first responders and their families through TMF. National sponsors of the events include Comcast NBC Universal and CBS Radio. Last year’s Annapolis run drew a crowd of over 2,000 participants including Maryland Governor Larry Hogan and midshipmen from the U.S. Naval Academy.
*Travis Manion Foundation's Houston office is hard at work assisting in flood recovery and aid. At the Alexandria 9/11 Heroes Run, and at all race locations around the country, we will run with a Texas flag that will then be sent to Houston, which hosts the largest 9/11 Heroes Run in the country each year (approximately 5,000 participants). Due to the tragic flooding, the Houston 9/11 Heroes Run has been postponed until November 11th – Veterans Day. Additionally, donations will be collected on-site from runners and spectators who will "Stuff the Boot" to directly support the hurricane relief efforts and rebuilding in the Houston area.
Ryan Manion, TMF President and Travis Manion’s sister, provided this statement:
“As I reflect on the 10 year anniversary of the 9/11 Heroes Run, I’m in awe at the number of communities across the country and around the world that have united to honor all those touched by the events of September 11th, 2001. We challenge all Americans to join us this September, to ensure our next generation never forgets the sacrifices of our veterans, active duty military, first responders, and civilians who were affected by the attacks on 9/11 and in the wars since.”
4 Key Races
- 9/11 Run Alexandria, VA on Saturday September 9, 2017 at 9:00am ET
- 9/11 Run Philadelphia, PA on Sunday September 9, 2017 at 9:00am ET
- 9/11 Run Annapolis, MD on Sunday September 17, 2017 at 2:00pm ET
- 9/11 Run Doylestown, PA on Sunday September 24, 2017 at 2:00pm ET
See details for over 20 other races in cities across the U.S. linked here.
For more information on the Travis Manion Foundation 9/11 races or if you would like to set up an interview, please contact Derrick Morgan at Derrick@travismanion.org or (215) 622-2225.
