Soldiers, first responders and others got up bright and early last week to participate in the 9/11 Remembrance run Sept. 11. The event kicked off at 6:30 a.m.

Fort Stewart Emergency Services Director Lt. Col Craig Giancaterino said the runners ran for 2.5 miles, most while wearing full gear.

“Our runners are up our 9/11 Remembrance run for the fallen firefighters and civilians who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2001,” he said. “We do this to honor and remember the 2,977 who lost their lives that day and to pay tribute to our courage and our strength of our first responders, who every day, day in and day out, protect us. Not only here at the Rock of the Marne, home of the Third Infantry Division but the surrounding community.”

Giancaterino said soldiers are used to daily PT runs at 6:30 but added this was a special opportunity to run for those no longer here.

“Although it is a somber event it is a great event to get everybody together, still under COVID conditions, still practicing social distancing and making sure we are coming together and having that solidarity.”

 Giancaterino is also the Battalion Commander for the Third ID Military Police.

“I have about 1,000 first responders that I am responsible for daily, so it is a true honor to be out here to host the event and see all the soldiers compete in it,” he said.

Patty Leon contributed to this report.