SNOHOMISH — In honor of the 20th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, the annual 9/11 Heroes Run 5k is happening this month at Willis Tucker Park.
The race will be taking place on September, Sept. 18 at 9 a.m. and is hosted by the Travis Manion Foundation.
Community members are encouraged to participate to honor veterans, active military and first responders. Similar 5K events are
happening in different communities this month all around the country.
“It’s important that we remember our past and the events of 9/11 have impacted us over the past 20 years. We need to remember and honor the service and the sacrifice of those that have served in the military (and) first responders in reaction to the events of 9/11,” said Capt. Will Lennon, the Snohomish High School Marine Corps JROTC instructor who is the local race director.
Twenty years later, people are still grieving the losses of loved ones in the attacks. People continually are inspired by the bravery of the first responders on that tragic day.
Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion was extremely moved by the 9/11 responders. He was killed in Iraq in 2007 by a sniper while repositioning for better aim. This was after pulling wounded soldiers out of harm’s way. After his death, his family created the Travis Manion Foundation, where people come together to make sure the victims of the gruesome attacks are never forgotten.
The Travis Manion Foundation held its first annual 9/11 Heroes Run in 2007 in Manion’s Pennsylvania hometown.
Anyone and everyone of all ages are welcome to participate, whether it be running the race or walking in support. The event also has a virtual run alongside the main, in-person race, people can take part in the event from their own homes if needed and continue to support the cause. Virtual runners can participate anywhere at any time.
“There’s a lot of different ways folks are being involved. It’s important to support both veterans and Gold Star family members,” Lennon said.
Measures will be taken to ensure everyone’s safety against Covid-19 at the in-person race; it is encouraged to only attend in person if you are healthy. A virtual race packet will be mailed to anyone attending the virtual race.
There are other ways to support the Travis Manion Foundation, such as donation and sponsorship opportunities for the 9/11 Heroes Run. Donations to the fundraiser help many of our country’s veterans, families of veterans and families who have lost a veteran lead happy and comfortable lives.
Tickets for the Snohomish run can be purchased and volunteer opportunities are also available on the Travis Manion Foundation’s official website, www.travismanion.org
Travis Manion was famously known for saying “If Not Me, Then Who…” His passion for serving the country to protect the people of America is inspiring many people of all ages. The Travis Manion Foundation is helping change lives, supporting grieving families and strengthening ones in pain, even in Snohomish County, one day at a time.
