Heroes Run To Commemorate 9/11 In Baltimore

From 911 Heroes Run: The Baltimore 9/11 Heroes Run is scheduled for Sunday, September 30, at 9 a.m. at Rash Field. Registration is open at www.911heroesrun.org/baltimore Hosted by Travis Manion Foundation, the Baltimore 9/11 Heroes Run includes a 5K and 1M Family Fun Run along with a new 5K GORUCK division that unites the community in remembering the sacrifices of the heroes of the September 11th attacks and in the wars since. Proceeds support TMF’s programs assisting veterans, families of fallen service members and promoting character among today’s youth.

“Last year’s inaugural 9/11 Heroes Run in Baltimore was a huge success. We were overwhelmed by the support from the Baltimore community and other Gold Star Families,” said Race Director Pat Cappelaere of Ellicott City. “Excitement is building for this year’s Run and registrations have already surpassed last year’s attendance. We invite runners, walkers and volunteers throughout Baltimore to join us in honoring all those first responders and service members who have lost their lives protecting our country.” Pat and his wife, Doreen Cappelaere, are parents of Navy Lt. Valerie Cappelaere Delaney, a USNA graduate and Navy fighter pilot who lost her life at the age of 26 during a 2013 training mission. The Cappelaere family actively supports the Travis Manion Foundation in addition to running the Wings for Val Foundation, a non-profit organization named after their daughter to supports and promotes women in all fields, especially in aviation, and to inspire future generations of female leaders.

In addition to the Cappelaere family, many other Gold Star families are helping to organize the 9/11 Heroes Run in Baltimore to honor the memories of their fallen heroes including IT2 Kris Romeo Bishundat, USN; LT Valerie Cappelaere Delaney, USN; SGT Christian J Hipsley, USA; CAPT Jesse Melton III, USMC; CAPT Steve Murphy, USN; LCDR Michael J. Phipps, USN; and CPO Xavier Martin, USN. The Baltimore 9/11 Heroes Run 5k +1M Fun Run/Walk will take place at Rash Field located at Puppies in training with the Warrior Canine Connection will join families for the 1M Fun Run/Walk and photos. The Warrior Canine Connection, a partner of the Baltimore 9/11 Heroes Run, provides canine connection therapy to help wounded Warriors reconnect with life, their families, their communities, and each other. To register as a runner, walker or volunteer, go to: www.911heroesrun.org/baltimore

About the 9/11 Heroes Run Events The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K series unites communities internationally with the goal to never forget the sacrifices of the heroes of September 11th and the wars since: veteran, first responder, civilian and military. The race series was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, a Naval Academy graduate, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 while saving his wounded teammates. 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 a deeper passion about why he was fighting in Iraq. Now in its 11th year, the 9/11 Heroes Run national raceseries 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 and walkers of all ages to participate, which can be seen here.

Each year on or near September 11th, local volunteers organize 9/11 Heroes Runs on behalf of TMF in more than 50 cities around the world. Over 50,000 runners/walkers of all levels and ages come together to support TMF and honor fallen heroes. 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, 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 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 1st 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.

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