Travis Manion Foundation to Host 9/11 Heroes Runs
More Than 75,000 Americans Come Together to Honor the Fallen, Support Local Charities
An estimated 25,000 runners, 50,000 spectators, and 2,000 volunteers around the globe will unite on the weekend of September 8 and 9 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 eleven years since.
From Afghanistan to U.S. cities like New York and Aurora, Colo., thousands of Americans touched by the heroism of American troops, police officers, firefighters, first responders, and ordinary citizens will unite to run 5K races to honor the fallen. An unprecedented 47 races are planned for 2012, with 50 percent 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 into each race location’s community through donations to a local first responder or veterans’ charities.
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.
Shortly 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.
Shortly after Janet Manion was diagnosed with cancer, she delivered a stirring speech to participants at the 2011 9/11 Heroes Run in Doylestown, Pa., where the Manion family lives. She said the annual 5K 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.
Manion died on April 24, 2012, but her legacy, along with her son’s, lives on. From war zones to towns and cities near you, thousands of Americans will come together on the weekend of September 8 and 9 to run, volunteer, donate, cheer, and most importantly…honor.
For registration and information about the 9/11 Heroes Run, please visit www.911heroesrun.com
For a brief video of the of the Travis Manion Foundation please go to YouTube.