Firefighter Plans Elaborate Run to Mark 9/11 Anniversary

As the 13th anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks approaches, a Clearwater firefighter is planning to make sure those who died are not forgotten.

Lt. Mark Wing, an eight-year veteran of the agency, has announced plans to run an 11-mile course from station to station, wearing full bunker gear and carrying an American flag, Clearwater spokesman Rob Shaw wrote in an email to media.

Wing’s trek will begin Thursday at 9 a.m. at Station 44 on Sand Key. He then plans to run to Station 46 on Clearwater Beach and then over the Memorial Causeway to finish at Station 49, which is located behind the Clearwater Mall.

Wing’s journey is part of an awareness effort dubbed 11 on the 11th. The bunker gear he plans to wear weighs more than 60 pounds, Shaw said.

Once Wing arrives at the 565 Sky Harbor Drive station, he intends to take a short break before donning a military-style backpack and reversing the route. That backpack weighs about 34 pounds.

When asked why he’d go to such measures to mark the anniversary of the attacks on New York City, Washington, D.C., and Pennsylvania, Wing said his reasons are simple.

“We will never forget those who lost their lives on that day,” he said. “Thirteen years later, people everywhere still do things to remember that day.”

Runs like Wing’s are planned throughout all 50 states and in six other countries, Shaw said. Wing has involved anyone who wants to do join him on his route. Participants can run, job, walk or even ride a bicycle.

A virtual run is also set to take place Thursday morning. Those who pay a $25 registration fee for the virtual run will receive a medal and also find their fee going to benefit Operation Enduring Warrior and Team Red, White and Blue. Registration for the virtual run is available online at this address http://11onthe11th.weebly.com/store/p1/Virtual_Run_Registration.html.

Wing’s decision to run two 11-mile legs is personally motivated. The former activity duty member of the Air Force and current Air Force reservist said that 22 current or former military members commit suicide daily in the United States. His second leg is intended to raise awareness about that tragic fact.

Wing isn’t the only Clearwater Fire & Rescue member who plans to commemorate the anniversary either. Crews across the city plan to pay tribute to the 343 New York firefighters who lost their lives that day with a moment of silence. At 9:50 a.m. on Thursday, trucks will come out of the city’s stations with their lights on. Nine minutes later, firefighters will stand at attention and mark a moment of silence, Shaw said. The south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed at 9:50 a.m. on Sept. 11, 2001.

Photo Credit: Lt. Mark Wing/Photo courtesy of the City of Clearwater