9.11 Remembrance Run - Walk - Ruck

Event Overview

Please join us for Weber City's first community event of its kind: the 9.11 Remembrance Run-Walk-Ruck. Proceeds will go to Weber City Fire Department to support training costs and gear upgrades for the town's 100% volunteer-based organization.

Race Details

• Date: Saturday, 9/5/26
• Time: 9AM
• Distance: Ruck, run, or walk 3.43 miles
• Gear: Ruck with a weighted vest, hiking pack, or full firefighting gear

Significance of Distance

Why 3.43 miles instead of the typical 5k distance of 3.12 miles? 343 is the number of New York City Fire Department lives lost on 9/11/2001 and is a meaningful number in traditional 9/11 memorial events. We will remember the events and most importantly our fellow Americans who did not make it home.

Ceremony and Recognition

• Guest Speaker: After announcements, we will have a guest speaker.
• Flag Raising: A flag raising ceremony will follow.
• Location: Start and Finish line will be at Weber City Elementary.
• Awards: First place overall female and male will be recognized.

Parking and Course Information

• Primary Parking: Gateway Baptist (SET GPS FOR 155 Shady Elm Lane, Weber City, VA) about a 0.25 mile walk to the start line.
• Volunteer Parking: Can use the elementary school parking lots with the requirement to stay until the event is finished.
• Traffic: The course may not be closed to residential traffic: updates will be provided if this changes.
• Emergency Vehicles: Emergency vehicles will be at main entry points: drivers should be cautious.

Course Guidelines

• Headphones: If using, leave one earbud out or use bone conduction headphones for traffic awareness.
• Strollers: Strollers are welcome.
• Group Awareness: Groups should keep right on the narrow sidewalk and allow room for passing.
• Children: Discuss safety with younger children running alone and ensure they make eye contact with volunteers.

Packet Pick-Up

• Pre-Race: Packet pick-up on Friday, 9/4/26 from 4-7 PM at The Yard Strength And Training (145 Warehouse St, Weber City, VA).
• Race-Day: Packet pick-up and Race Day Registration will be at Weber City Elementary School from 7:30-8:45 AM.
• Participant Cap: There will be a cap at 150 participants: no-shows may free up spots for on-site registration.
• Timing: Arrive early if you plan to walk back to your car after packet pick-up – it's a 0.25 mile walk.

Fundraising Efforts

This is really a fundraiser! This event's registration will go directly into Weber City Fire Department's charitable organization account - they will receive 100% of your registration fee as well as any additional donations you add to your cart. We will provide nice t-shirts to participants, paid for by a special sponsor. Depending on the number of sign-ups, we may have additional shirts for sale at the event.

Video Resource

Please take a moment prior to event date to watch the YouTube video below. It’s 13 minutes long, but it really explains the spirit we are trying to bring to Weber City with this memorial event.

Registration Information

Tentative date for registrations to go live is 7/1/26. We will be working with Dean's Tax Center in Weber City to ensure the fundraising will be squared away in the meantime. Please mark a reminder on your calendar to come back and register with us. Let’s start a new tradition in Weber City, VA!

More Information

For more details, please visit the race page: 9.11 Remembrance Run - Walk - Ruck.