WHAT:
New York Road Runners (NYRR)—the nonprofit that “runs” New York City producing 60 annual adult and youth races including the TCS New York City Marathon—and the National September 11 Memorial & Museum hosted 4,991 runners at the sold-out 9/11 Memorial & Museum 4M Presented by RXR Saturday, July 11, in Central Park to honor the 2,977 lives lost on Sept. 11, 2001, and commemorate the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
For the first time, New York Road Runners helped produce the race, which the 9/11 Memorial & Museum has hosted annually since 2013 as an opportunity for remembrance and reflection.
Taking place exactly two months before the nation marks 25 years since 9/11, the four-mile race brought together participants of all ages and abilities to honor the lives lost, while recognizing the courage and sacrifice of first responders, rescue and recovery workers, survivors, and the families forever impacted by the attacks.
The event’s opening program featured a color guard presenting the American flag alongside the singing of the national anthem, followed by remarks recognizing the enduring impact of 9/11 and paying tribute to the lives lost. Through the collective act of running, the event united individuals of all backgrounds in shared purpose.
Funds raised from the event directly support the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, keeping the memorial free for all and expanding the museum’s educational programs that reach students, teachers, professionals, and communities across the country.
BROLL
- Participants starting 9/11 Memorial & Museum 4M Presented by RXR (00:00-00:26)
- Participants finishing 9/11 Memorial & Museum 4M Presented by RXR (00:26-00:51)
- Participants commemorating 9/11 attacks at post-race festival (00:51-1:09)
SOUNDBITES
- Rob Simmelkjaer, New York Road Runners CEO (1:09-2:08)
- Beth Hillman, 9/11 Memorial & Museum President & CEO (2:08-2:56)
- Hanna Born, 9/11 Memorial & Museum 4M Presented by RXR Participant (2:56-4:02)
ABOUT THE 9/11 MEMORIAL & MUSEUM:
A quarter century after the September 11, 2001 attacks, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum is the country’s principal institution concerned with exploring 9/11, documenting its impact, and examining its continuing significance. This mission is advanced through commemoration, education, and inspiration. Located on eight of the 16 acres of the World Trade Center site, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum remembers and honors the 2,983 lives lost on September 11, 2001, and February 26, 1993. Through exhibitions, a wide variety of programs, and commemorative events, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum seeks to educate the public – particularly the 100 million Americans born since the attacks or those too young to remember – about the consequences of terrorism and its impact on individuals and communities. Through preserving and sharing stories of resilience, compassion, and service, the 9/11 Memorial & Museum hopes to inspire individuals to build a more compassionate and secure world. For more information or to reserve a ticket to the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, please visit 911memorial.org.