REDSTONE ARSENAL, Ala.--They will take to the streets of Redstone Arsenal for the love of their country, and for those that lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001.
For the first time ever, Family and Morale Welfare and Recreation will hold a run -- an appropriate 9.11K -- to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Sept. 11th terrorist attacks. Runners from across the Arsenal and the Tennessee Valley community will gather Saturday at 7:30 a.m. at Sparkman Center building 5302 for the race.
"We want to honor those that have served and lost their lives in the 9/11 tragedy," FMWR fitness director Gaylene Wilson said.
What is typically a 10K run in October has been transformed into this year's commemorative event, per the suggestion of the Garrison's retired Command Sgt. Maj. Rick Cooper. A record number 97 people have preregistered for the event, surpassing the 70 runners from last year's 10K, making it FMWR's biggest run yet, a number that is sure to grow with race day registration.
"9/11 just changed our country and it's something we're never going to forget," Wilson said. "I think that's why we have drawn more people in that want to run."
The Army Materiel Command Band will help kick off the event, with firefighters from on post sounding their sirens to start the race. The course will take runners on a 9.11K route -- approximately 5.66 miles -- from the Sparkman Center north on Patton Road, west on Neal Road, and eventually bringing them back to the Sparkman Center, where awards will be given to the winners.
Members of the National Guard and Vettes for Vets Corvette Club will serve as road guards throughout the race.
Race day registration is available to those with access to the Arsenal, between 6:30 and 7:15 a.m. at the Sparkman Center building 5302 parking Lot. Cost is $20. For more information call 313-1201, 876-2943, 313-6091 or 955-7508.
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