Columbia Community Comes Together for Tunnel to Towers 5K Run in Remembrance of 9/11 Heroes

COLUMBIA, S.C. — Running for Remembrance!

This past Friday, the streets of downtown Columbia were bursting with energy and a spirit of unity as thousands of people laced up their running shoes for a cause that truly hits home. The Tunnel to Towers Foundation organized a heartfelt 5K run and walk to honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001. It was a day filled with memories, laughter, and a whole lot of support for our heroes.

A Tradition of Honor

David Kerr, the vice chairman of the Remembrance Foundation of South Carolina, shared, “This is something we started back in 2013. We’ve done it every year.” Although the event took a brief hiatus due to COVID-19, it’s clear that this annual tradition is alive and well, with participation numbers reaching an all-time high this year. Kerr proudly noted, “We have our largest attendance this year,” drawing in an impressive crowd of around 2,300 participants.

A Day Full of Activities

As runners gathered on Lincoln Street, the atmosphere buzzed with excitement. The event, known for being the second-largest of its kind next to its flagship event in New York City, featured not just the 5K run but also several guest speakers, vibrant entertainment, and delicious food trucks serving up a variety of options.

A Community Coming Together

People traveled from all corners of South Carolina to participate, showcasing the state’s commitment to honoring those who served and sacrificed for the nation. Keri Thomas-Shands, an Air Force veteran of nine years, expressed her motivation for being there saying, “I just wanted to show my support to my other fallen brothers and sisters, and those who lost their lives in 9/11.”

The Taylor family echoed this sentiment, stating, “We want to remember 9/11 and all the heroes did to help the citizens of America. We want to make sure we never forget.” Their dedication was palpable, reminding everyone that this event wasn’t just about running; it was about remembrance and gratitude.

Supporting Our Heroes

Among the notable supporters of the event was Kirk Jenkins from Lexington Medical Center. He shared, “We’re very honored to sponsor this event and pay tribute to Stephen Siller, our first responders, our military members, our veterans, and show our appreciation for what they do.” It’s heartening to see sponsors step up, amplifying the event’s message of community support, which made for a great partnership.

A Sense of Community

As runners crossed the finish line, the joy in the air was contagious. Kerr described the importance of this event the best: “Being able to give back and have the community behind us participate, honoring our heroes is just exceptional, and gives us a great feeling every year.”

It’s events like these that remind us of the power of community and the significance of honoring our past, all while coming together for a shared purpose. The success of the Tunnel to Towers 5K in Columbia not only uplifts the spirits of those who participate in it but also carries a profound message that we must keep remembering and honoring our heroes. After all, as this year’s participants have shown, we are indeed stronger together.

As the sun set on this impactful day, one thing was abundantly clear: the people of Columbia stand united in their commitment to remembering the sacrifices made for freedom, and they plan to continue this inspiring tradition for years to come.