Registration open for 9/11 Heroes Run

A scene from last year’s 9/11 Heroes Run at Carl Sandburg Middle School. (Travis Manion Foundation photo)

There’s still time to register online for the 4th annual 9/11 Heroes Run, which will be held at Carl Sandburg Middle School on Sept. 16.

The race, which includes a 5K and half-mile fun run for kids, begins at 2 p.m. You must register by Friday to be guaranteed a swag bag and t-shirt in your size. Register online by clicking here.

You don’t have to be a competitive runner to participate; organizers say walkers and ruckers are welcome, as are service dogs and baby strollers. Starbucks, Mission BBQ and other vendors will be on site, and the police will be doing live demos as well. Marine Corps recruiters will also be there with some games for children.

The schedule for race day includes:

• Day of Packet Pickup and walk-up registration: 12-1:30 p.m.
• Police Demonstrations: 1:15 p.m.
• Opening Ceremony: 1:30 p.m.
• Race Gun: 2 p.m.
• Awards ceremony will immediately follow race

The 9/11 Heroes Run at Sandburg is one of more than 50 such events held across the country each September. The runs are organized by volunteers working with the Travis Manion Foundation, and are intended to honor the sacrifices made by veterans, first responders and others who have answered the call of duty since the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks.

Manion, a 2004 graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy, was a Marine officer who deployed twice to Iraq. During his second tour in 2007, Manion was shot and killed while fighting off an enemy ambush. Manion was credited with saving the lives of fellow Marines during the battle, and was awarded the Silver Star posthumously for his bravery. His award citation can be read here.