Charm City Run Honors Heroism, Commitment, and Sacrifice In Its Last Annual Run to Remember 5K & 11K On The 20th Anniversary of 9/11 Attacks

August 30, 2021

BALTIMORE, MD – On the 20^th anniversary of the worst terrorist attack in U.S. history, Charm City Run, a local family-owned running brand will host its annual 9/11 race for the final time, on Sat., Sept. 11, 2021, beginning distinctly at 8:46 a.m. The Mercy Foot and Ankle Institute Run to Remember 5K and 11K presented by Kelly Benefits and Brooks Running honors the victims of 9/11 and pays tribute to the extraordinary heroism and commitment of first responders, as well as raises money for the Run to Remember Fund.

For in-person participants (running or walking), both the 5K and 11K races begin in front of the 9/11 Memorial of Maryland at the World Trade Center (401 E Pratt St.), and finish in the Federal Hill Park. Different routes will weave through Baltimore City, as the streets will be closed to traffic. Charm City Run Events has created a virtual race option for those who would like to participate but are not local, or do not feel comfortable attending an in-person race at this time. A $5 discount is extended to all law enforcement and fire agency employees, or active or retired military. People can register in advance for a discount on entry fees or up until race day if it has not sold out at 1,500 participants: https://runsignup.com/Race/MD/Baltimore/RuntoRemember5K11K.

As the only 9/11 memorial run in Baltimore, since 2002, Charm City Run has hosted 30,000 runners and raised more than $400,000 for the Run to Remember Fund at the Baltimore Community Foundation, which benefits the Baltimore Fire Department and the Baltimore Police Foundation.

“In 2001, as the news of the largest attack in our country’s history painfully unfolded before my eyes, I was in such shock that I instinctually went outside and started moving my legs. I walked up and down a deserted beach while the U.S. Navy patrolled the coast from the air. I tried to make sense of what had happened and of course had no answers. What could I do? How could I contribute? I wondered how I could do something positive…something to show our collective strength and resilience,” recounted Josh Levinson, Charm City Run’s Founder and CEO. “With the original Charm City Run retail store yet to be opened, I decided that we would come together as a community on every 9/11 to move our legs as one. We would comfort each other and show strength as one. At least once a year, we’d hold a race and honor the victims and thank the U.S Military and our local first responders, and we would raise money for the things that they need. I am so proud of and touched by what this event has been able to do over the years. We have raised money to purchase defibrillators for police cars, bought dogs for the K9 unit, given much needed funds to the mounted unit, and supported families that have lost a loved one in the line of duty. I want to thank everyone who has participated and every organization who has sponsored or supported this race in its history to honor the ones we lost and the brave men and women who answer the call every day.”

“Over the years, folks who work downtown have walked the race in their business attire.  Firefighters have run in their full turnout gear.  Police cadets have run in formation.  The Police Commissioner and Fire Chief have cheered for and personally thanked the runners and walkers for participating. It’s truly a beautiful sight to see, and one never to forget,” he added.

The Mercy Foot and Ankle Institute Run to Remember 5K & 11K presented by Brooks Running and Kelly Benefits is owned and operated by Charm City Run Events, a diversified event management and race timing company that manages over 125 events annually. From 5Ks to Half Marathons to Triathlons, Charm City Run Events offers some of the best in racing in the Mid-Atlantic region. With 6 retail store locations around Maryland, Charm City Run is a Running & Walking Specialty company that is committed to fitting every customer in the “right” shoe.

Charm City Run Event Management is a diversified event management, sports promotion, race management, finish line management and events coordination company, comprised of individuals with varied business, education and sports backgrounds. The Live. Give. Run. Foundation supports Maryland-based organizations and programs and carries out the charitable and philanthropic goals of Charm City Run’s mission to inspire and move the human spirit one sole at a time. Learn more at charmcityrun.com.

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