Travis Manion Foundation To Host Annual 9/11 Heroes Run In Athens, AL

By: Holly Hollman
Athens, AL — The Travis Manion Foundation will host the Athens 9/11 Heroes Run 5K race at 7:00 a.m. on September 9 at Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives. The annual race will unite the community 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 and our communities. 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.

Our special guest at this year’s Athens 9/11 Heroes Run is Amber Loggins Godwin, sister of Adam Loggins, KIA Al Anbar Province, Iraq.

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 at www.youtube.com/watch?v=NpRzYOaNefE&feature=youtu.be

“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 11, 2001.” said Ryan Manion, President of Travis Manion Foundation. “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.”

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. To learn more and to register, visit www.911heroesrun.org.

About Travis Manion Foundation:
The Travis Manion Foundation is a qualified 501(c)(3) that is dedicated to empowering our nation’s veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. In 2007, 1st Lt Travis Manion (USMC) was killed in Iraq while saving his wounded teammates. Today, Travis’ legacy lives on in the words he spoke before leaving for his final deployment, “If Not Me, Then Who…” Guided by this mantra, veterans continue their service, develop strong relationships with their communities, and thrive in their post-military lives. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes live on in the next generation.

Local Point of Contact:
Whitney Hollingsworth – Local Race Director – (256) 651-7507 – Athens@911heroesrun.org

National Point of Contact:
Derrick Morgan – Travis Manion Foundation – (215) 622-2225 – Derrick@travismanion.org

WHAT: 9/11 Heroes Run 5K race to benefit the Travis Manion Foundation. The annual race will unite the community 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 and our communities.

WHERE: Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives, 100 Pryor St. W, Athens, AL 35611

WHEN: Saturday, September 9, 2017 at 7:00 a.m. start
By: Holly Hollman