September 9, 2022

SVSU to Host 9/11 Heroes Run to Benefit National Foundation

Saginaw Valley State University is hosting its annual 9/11 Heroes Run on Sunday, Sept. 11, to benefit the Travis Manion Foundation. Sunday’s event will mark SVSU’s ninth year of hosting the run.

The event will consist of a 5K run/walk beginning at 10 a.m. in the parking lot of SVSU's Ryder Center, preceded by a remembrance ceremony beginning at 9:30 a.m. This year’s race course will return to its origins down the center of campus and utilizing half of the non-motorized pathway surrounding the campus and finishing back at Ryder Center. Donald Bachand, SVSU president, will serve as this year’s honorary race starter.

Registration is $35 for online pre-registration as well as walk-up registration the day of the event. Participants who are active in the military, members of a first responder agency or current SVSU students receive discounted online pre-registration. Family package deals also are available.

Participants can also register for the GORUCK division of the race. Rucking is when the participants wear a weighted bag on their back during the 5K. Those interested in participating in the SVSU-hosted 9/11 Heroes Run can register online until noon on Saturday at svsu.edu/heroesrun or beginning at 8:30 a.m. Sunday as part of walk-up registration (discounts available).

A portion of the proceeds from the 9/11 Heroes Run benefit the Travis Manion Foundation, which empowers veterans and families of fallen heroes to develop character in future generations. The other portion of the proceeds will remain in the local community to support the Great Lakes Bay Veteran Coalition.

“SVSU is proud to host the 9/11 Heroes Run because it is a needed reminder of the sacrifices made by local first responders and military personnel in our region,” commented Bethany Alford, SVSU’s Director of Military Student Affairs. “This event gives the community a central place to gather to celebrate, remember and honor those who have given so much to our community, state and country.”

The 9/11 Heroes Run 5K series was inspired by Marine 1st Lt. Travis Manion, who was killed by a sniper in Iraq in April 2007 as he selflessly protected his battalion. Before his final deployment, Travis visited Rescue One in New York City — famous for losing almost all of their men on 9/11— and returned home with deeper passion about why he was serving in Iraq. At its heart, the 9/11 Heroes Run is a tribute to a personal commitment to never forget the heroes of that day. In its 15th year, the 9/11 Heroes Run national race series will be held in more than 90 communities around the U.S. and the world.

The Kochville and Saginaw Township fire departments and Michigan State Police will support the run again this year. Several SVSU offices collaborated to organize this year's annual run including Military Student Affairs, Campus Recreation, Alumni Relations and University Communications.

Questions can be directed via email to saginaw@911heroesrun.org or through the event’s Facebook page at facebook.com/911HeroesRunSaginaw.