Friday is the 19th anniversary of the attacks of Sept. 11, 200,1 in New York City and Washington, D.C. But it also is the 10th anniversary of the American Heroes Run in Longmont.
Beginning in 2010, the event has consisted of various events ranging from a 5K to an ultra-marathon of 100 miles. This year includes an option for runners to participate remotely. Participants must register and pay an entrance fee with Active.com at active.com/longmont-co/running/distance-running-races/american-heroes-run-2020.
“(We) had several 100-mile finishers, first time 5kers and champions from all over the world,” organizer David Clark said in a Facebook post regarding last year’s event. “They showed up to remind us all what living is about — running the mile you’re in, breathing through the pain and making sure every step is leading you somewhere.”
The event begins at Rogers Grove Park with a half-marathon beginning at 8:46 a.m., followed by a 9.11-mile run at 9:03 a.m. The 5K walk/run begins at 9:37 a.m. and the 100-miler begins at 10:11 a.m. Each start time coincides with the precise minute of four commercial airliners crashing into the World Trade Center towers, The Pentagon, and a field near Shanksville, Pennsylvania.
On Saturday beginning at 7 a.m., a nine hour and 11 minute run also will commence. Local ultramarathoner Bill Stahl has helped with promoting the event this year.
