Patriots Unite Across The Globe

Online, August 25, 2010 (Newswire.com) - On September 10th, while Patriots' Run participants in Olathe, KS, are enjoying a pasta dinner, 3000 soldiers at two bases in Afghanistan will be swapping their combat boots for running shoes. Though thousands of miles apart, these two groups are drawn together on 9/11 to commemorate the tragic events of September 11, 2001.

In Afghanistan soldiers will run 9.11 kilometers to commemorate Patriot Day. Soldiers must run during the early morning hours to complete their events and return the bases to normal operations. Because of the time difference, when the soldiers run on the morning of September 11, it is the evening of September 10 in Olathe.

Andrew Wilson, who helped organize the events in Afghanistan before returning to Olathe said "It is incredible to have 3000 American soldiers running in the very territory where they planned these attacks. It lets them know we do not forget." Wilson served two tours in Afghanistan and one tour in Iraq with the US Army, then returned to Afghanistan as a private contractor.

In Olathe, KS, over 500 runners from all across America and Canada will come together to remember 9/11, but with the added theme "To Thank and Honor Those Who Serve our Country." It is the soldiers, police, firefighters and others who served this country both on that day and every day thereafter who make it possible for this event to continue.

The Olathe event begins at noon and continues until 9:11 PM. Participants are welcome to register for the event either solo or as part of a team and may complete the entire time or just a portion of it. The flexibility is there to let them design their own event--anything from a lap or 2 to an ultra run. They can also opt for the certified marathon. Last year the event drew 350 athletes from 26 states and two countries and had over 2000 soldiers run in Afghanistan. The Patriots' Run is the only event of this type in the world. The web site www.patriotsrun.us has additional information.

Lawn chairs are welcome! Spectators can bring family and friends and have them cheer for their favorite runner. This is one of the few such events where they can watch the entire run. They can sit back and enjoy the free, 9-hour long Patriots' Concert featuring five local bands.

Runners ranging in age from 8 to 94 representing 21 states and Canada are already signed up. Proceeds from the event are donated to The Salvation Army of Olathe.

Contact information:
Tony Drew 913-269-7191
[email protected]
www.patriotsrun.us