World Trade Center Run to Remember

Big news! I decided to run another 5K. This one actually happens a week before my Komen Run for the Cure 5K, so it will be my first race ever.

I will be running in the World Trade Center Run to Remember (WTCRTR). This is the race’s inaugural year and will be a celebration of the lives of those lost on September 11, 2001. Everyone participating will be running in honor of someone who died in the terrorist attacks that day. Each participant has the option of selecting a name of someone they knew or allowing the computer to select randomly. Since I was fortunate enough not to have lost anyone close to me that day, I let the computer select a name. I will be running in honor of Oleh D. Wengerchuk. His name will be displayed on my bib.

Click here if you want to contribute to my fundraising efforts. I selected the September 11th Families Association as my pledge cause. Here is some information about this organization:

Not-for-profit organization was founded by New York City Fire Department families in November 2001 to provide information to all 9/11 families. Our mission is to unite the September 11th community, present evolving issues, and share resources for long-term recovery. The Association maintains an active database of 4,500 immediate family members of victims who died on September 11, 2001 at the World Trade Center, Pentagon, and passengers on the four planes. Since June 2002 the Association has published a quarterly newsletter of resources and information for 9/11 families. The Tribute WTC Visitor Center is a project of the September 11th Families’ Association that offers visitors to the World Trade Center site a place where they can connect with people from the September 11th community. Through walking tours, exhibits and programs, the Tribute WTC Visitor Center offers Person to Person History, linking visitors who want to understand and appreciate these historic events with members of the 9/11 community who experienced them firsthand. Family members, survivors, recovery workers, volunteers, and residents of Lower Manhattan volunteer at the Tribute Center to share their personal experiences with visitors.

I actually walk past the Tribute WTC Visitor Center every day to and from work, which is part of the reason I chose this organization. I like that I see all the good they do firsthand. That also means I walk past Ground Zero every single day. It is tough so I am glad I am able to contribute in this way.

The race takes place on Governor’s Island. I have never been there, but it is a quick ferry ride from Manhattan. The run will take place largely around the perimeter of the island, with gorgeous views of Manhattan, Brooklyn and Staten Island.

The registration form asked me to estimate my race time, so I selected 30-35 minutes based on my experience with this distance, although I hope I end up being a little faster. My best friend Rae is coming with me to cheer me on (I believe she has plans to make a sign for me — how exciting!). Rae went to a concert on Governor’s Island a few weeks ago, so I feel more comfortable finding the right ferry and all if she is with me! Later that day we plan to kayak.

If you are going to be in the NY area on September 6, I strongly encourage you to participate. The WTCRTR event organizers are asking  participants to ensure there’s a runner/walker for each person lost on 9/11. If you aren’t comfortable running a 5K, there is also a 3K family fun run/walk, so there is something for everyone.

Let me know if you decide to sign up!