The Patriots' Run, the only such event in the country, is a 9 hour and 11 minute run/walk held at Two Trails Park in Olathe, Kansas. The event is held each year on 9/11 to remember not only the victims’ who were lost, but also the soldiers, police, firefighters and others who served this country both on that day and every day thereafter. Last year this combined event drew hundreds of athletes from 16 states and two countries.
Cpt. Andrew Wilson, US Army, who helped organize the events in Afghanistan prior to his recent return to Olathe said “It is incredible to have almost 2000 American soldiers running in very territory where they planned these attacks. It lets them know we do not forget.”
The distance creates a logistical challenge. Because of the 9 ½ hour time difference the events will not occur simultaneously. At the bases in Mehtar Lam, Najil and Bagram, Afghanistan, soldiers will begin their run at 8:45pm CST and end at 5:45am CST. There will be a local vigil run at the park the entire time the soldiers are running. At noon CDT the Olathe run begins and continues until 9:11 PM. The race highlights from Afghanistan as well as the US will be broadcast in almost real-time on the Internet at http://www.PatriotsRun.us.
Participants are welcome to register for the event at http://www.PatriotsRun.us. All runners are welcome to sign up for a solo run or as part of a team and may complete the entire race or just a portion of it - anything from a lap or 2 to an ultra run. Runners can also opt for the certified marathon.
Lawn chairs are welcome! Spectators can bring family and friends and have them cheer for their favorite runner. This is one of the few such events where they can watch the entire run.
Runners are already signed up from across America, ranging in age from 8 to 93.
Contact information:
Event Organizer: Tony Drew
913-269-7191
tonydrew@everestkc.net
PR & Marketing: Cassandra Woolworth
(816) 645-3336
CassieWoolworth@
