5K Commemorates 9/11 and Raises Money for Veterans

At 6 p.m Saturday, thousands will gather outside the DoubleTree Hotel in Crystal City to commemorate the tragedy of 9/11 and celebrate the strength of the Arlington community at the 10th annual Arlington Police, Fire & Sheriff 9-11 Memorial 5K.

“That date is a significant part of our country’s history and the purpose of the race is to try to help those that need help as a result of it all,” said James Matthews, an Arlington County firefighter and paramedic, and member of the event’s planning committee.

Matt Smith, co-founder and co-director of the run, projects that this year the event will raise upward of $50,000. The funds will go to Homes for Vets and the Wounded Warrior Program, two charities that provide vital services to America’s military men and women.

The Memorial 5K began in 2002 and was founded by Smith and his co-worker at the time, Dan Borelli, a retired Arlington County police detective. In its first year, the race drew 2,700 participants. This year, registration reached maximum capacity and capped out at 5,000 runners.

Also involved in the event are 300 volunteers and 16 sponsors, including Pacers Running Stores and the DoubleTree Hotel.

“I think it just represents the spirit of America that people do come together to help out,” Borelli said.

The annual race is more than just a fundraiser. It’s an event that provides community members with the opportunity to mourn the tragedy of 9/11 and celebrate the resilience of the nation. 

“It’s very important for my kids to understand that a lot of people lost their lives that day and we need to reflect a little on that,” said Arlington resident Jim Soiles.

Soiles is an assistant special agent with the Drug Enforcement Administration and runs with the DEA race team each year.

Several groups of first responders and government employees enter the race in teams every year. Often their spouses and children will compete as part of the team as well. Teams are one way the event cultivates a sense of community.

The planning committee also works to bond everyone in attendance by providing food and entertainment for all the participants.

“It’s a feel-good event,” Matthews said.

This year, entertainment includes a group of local bagpipers, a rock band comprised entirely of local law enforcement officers, the Yorktown High School marching band and representatives from local radio station 94.7 Fresh FM. Arlingtonians will be able to reflect on the significance of the day while also enjoying the festivities.

“We want to remember and we want to celebrate, too,” said Soiles.  “It’s a wonderful day.”