UNIVERSITY PARK – The Travis Manion Foundation will host the Penn State 9/11 Heroes Run 5K race and One-Mile Fun Run at 12:30 p.m., on Sept. 23 at the Bryce Jordan Center.
The race will unite the community to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost on 9/11, as well as to honor veterans, military and first responders who serve our country and our local communities.
The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K series was inspired by Marine First Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April of 2007 as he selflessly protected his battalion.
Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in New York City—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 11th year, the 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in more than 50 locations across the country and around the world, and is expected to draw over 60,000 participants.
As part of the marketing campaign for the race series, TMF has released a video to inspire runners, walkers and ruckers of all ages to participate, which can be seen here.
“During this divisive time in our country, I’m in awe at how so many communities across the country and around the world will put differences aside and come together to honor all those touched by the events of Sept. 11, 2001,” said Ryan Manion, president of Travis Manion Foundation.
“We challenge all Americans to join us this September to ensure our future generations never forget 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.”
For more information or to register, visit www.911heroesrun.org/pennstate.
About Travis Manion Foundation:
Travis Manion Foundation (TMF) unites communities to strengthen America’s national character by empowering veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop and lead future generations.
In 2007, First 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 by serving as character role models to youth. As a result, communities prosper and the character of our nation’s heroes lives on in the next generation.
The story of First Lt. Travis Manion and his Naval Academy brother Lt. (SEAL) Brendan Looney have been publicized in the book Brothers Forever, and additional information about the foundation can be found at www.travismanion.org.
