The Travis Manion Foundation will host a 5K race in Chattanooga, to unite the community to remember the sacrifices of the heroes of the Sept. 11 attacks and in the wars since. In its seventh year, the 9/11 Heroes Run will put on a series of races in more than 50 locations across U.S. and abroad.
The Chattanooga 9/11 Heroes Run 5K race will take place at Enterprise South Nature Park on Sept. 13 at 8 a.m. There will also be a family-friendly 1M fun run/walk. A portion of the proceeds from the race will benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which offers veterans and families of the fallen unique opportunities to help them take the next step in their journeys and accomplish their personal and professional goals. A large portion of the proceeds will stay in the local community to support Chattanooga’s local servicemen and women by collaborating with the YMCA to provide childcare for local servicemen and women.
The 9/11 Heroes Run 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 Travis' personal commitment to never forget the heroes of that day.
“Knowing that so many people gave their lives during the 9/11 attacks touched my brother Travis in a way that would forever change him,” said Ryan Manion, president of Travis Manion Foundation. “Six years after 9/11, my brother also gave his life for his country, so every year we gather communities together to run a 5K to honor the fallen. We are looking forward to this exciting race season and uniting people around the world to remember those whose service has given us freedom.”
Last year, more than 30,000 people participated in runs around the world. The Travis Manion Foundation invested nearly $240,000 back into the local race communities to support military, veterans, first responders and their families. National sponsors of the events include Comcast NBC Universal, JWT, 31 Heroes. Race series sponsors include Qwikstop Tools, Groome Transportation, Fury Academy, Heinsman Law Group, and Smith Bros. Construction. To learn more and to register for a race, visit http://www.travismanion.org/tmf_911run_race/911-heroes-run-chattanooga-tn/. The 5K general admission is $35 for individuals or $100 for a family of four. The 1 Mile Fun Run/Walk is $20.