Saginaw Valley State University hosted their 11th annual 9/11 Travis Manion Heros Run Sunday, Sept. 15 at 10 a.m.
This event is put on each year to commemorate the sacrifices and lives of the men and women who were in the middle of the terrorist attacks that took place on Sept. 11, 2001.
Nearly 3,000 lives were lost due to this attack, and this is a token of appreciation put with the help of Military Student Affairs. Bethany Alford, the race director, was sure to note that the race honors all American heroes.
This year around 150-200 people attended the run on SVSU’s five-kilometer certified route. Alford said the route went as followed.
“The route runs through the center of campus to the ponds near Bay Rd., then loops around campus along the nonmotorized pathway, finishing at the Ryder Center.”
For this run participants could opt in for the GORUCK division, where they had to wear a weighted bag during the duration of the run.
“I believe (this event) allows people to show their appreciation and support for military personnel and first responders in our community and across the nation.”
For this event, the American heroes that are being celebrate is not limited to a specific group. This run is a time to celebrate every person who puts their lives on the line each day to serve our country. Not only was this event an opportunity for participants to run on the course, but they could also take part in the many festivities that took place on campus.
Alford stated, “(There was a) DJ, members from the SVSU band, food trucks, military vehicle, local police officers, and local firefighters at the start/finish line for all to enjoy.”
The first hundred people to register received a food voucher for one of the food trucks that were at the event.
Freshman Lauren Gager, bystander of the run stated, “I am grateful that our school hosts this event. It was cool to see everyone who wanted to celebrate the heroes of our country,” she said. “Also, the event was put together nicely, and I am looking forward to it next year.”
Gager’s dad served in the military, so she was particularly keen on seeing everyone being celebrated at this event. With this event taking place each year, those who have an interest in taking part in this run can mark their calendars to help celebrate the heroes of America.
