Ellington Airport will once again host the Annual 9/11 Heroes Run to honor the heroes of the September 11 attacks. Registration is now open for the 5k race that will take place on Saturday, Sept. 10, 2016. The opening ceremony kicks-off at 7:30 a.m. and the race begins shortly after. 

“Now in its sixth year in Houston, the 9/11 Heroes Run has become a long-standing tradition for Houstonians to honor our fallen heroes, and we are looking forward to holding it at Ellington Airport again this year,” said race director and Houston Police Department Captain Gregory Fremin. “All are welcome to participate in the run, no matter your level of running ability, and we encourage you to grab a friend or your running club and register today. Proceeds from registration fees go directly to the Travis Manion Foundation and two great local charities.” 

Before leaving for his final deployment, 1st Lt. Travis Manion visited Rescue Team 1 in New York City following the September 11 attacks and returned home passionate about why he was fighting in Iraq. On April 29, 2007, Manion was killed by an enemy sniper in Fallujah, Iraq, while trying to rescue several wounded Marines. Inspired by Manion's visit with New York City firefighters, the 9/11 Heroes Run started as a small town event in suburban Philadelphia to honor all U.S. military members. The race has now grown to more than 55 cities in the U.S. and various military installations around the world including Iraq, Afghanistan, Guam, Italy, England and a ship in the Persian Gulf. 

Participation in the Houston event has been the highest of all race cities for the past four years, making it the largest Heroes Run event in the world

A substantial portion of the proceeds raised from the event go to support for Houston-area veterans, their families and first responders. The 2016 Houston race will donate locally to Assist the Officer and the Houston Professional Firefighters Local 341 Union.

Remaining proceeds will support Travis Manion Foundation Challenge Grants, which provide veterans and families of fallen service members with support through service-based team building events that foster camaraderie and facilitate successful life transitions, and the Character Does Matter program. 

The planning committee is still in need of volunteers to help with activities on the day of the event and leading up to the run. Interested parties should contact Kelley Huff with the Houston Police Department at Kelley.Huff@HoustonPolice.org to inquire about volunteer opportunities.  

For more information click here, or to register visit www.911heroesrun.org and click on the Houston run.