2024 Patriot Run Sponsored by Grieco Ford of Delray Beach and hosted by Stangs of South Florida
We are excited to return to the Florida Keys, which is where it all started 23 years ago! This year our destination is the amazing Sparkys Landing on Marathon Key! The venue sits on the Fairfield Inn and Suites Property which is also our host hotel! This is event is Co-Sponsored by Steeda Autosports and Tint Haus Customs!
Event History
The Patriot Run was started over 23 years ago as a tribute / remembrance to our Fallen Heroes who suffered in the 9/11 Tragedy. The event has supported various charities from supporting actual families of victims in the Twin Towers and the First Responders, to the current charity The Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation. This foundation was formed after 9/11 and supports families of both injured and fallen military and first responders.
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Event Highlights
Sparky's Landing Marathon
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Commemorative Shirts
Commemorative Shirts will be available for purchase online and we will send updates once available! We will update you as soon as that option is available. All proceeds from the shirt sales will benefit the Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation.
Tunnel 2 Towers Foundation
On September 11, 2001, Firefghter Stephen Siller, who was assigned to Brooklyn’s Squad 1, had just finished his shift and was on his way to play golf with his brothers when he got word over his scanner of a plane hitting the North Tower of the World Trade Center. Upon hearing the news, Stephen called his wife Sally and asked her to tell his brothers he would catch up with them later. He returned to Squad 1 to get his gear.
Stephen drove his truck to the entrance of the Brooklyn Battery Tunnel, but it had already been closed for security purposes. Determined to carry out his duty, he strapped 60 lbs. of gear to his back, and raced on foot through the tunnel to the Twin Towers, where he gave up his life while saving others.
Stephen had everything to live for; a great wife, five wonderful children, a devoted extended family, and friends. Stephen’s parents were lay Franciscans and he grew up under the guiding philosophy of St. Francis of Assisi, whose encouraging and inspirational phrase “while we have time, let us do good” were words that Stephen lived by. Stephen’s life and heroic death serve as a reminder to us all to live life to the fullest and to spend our time here on earth doing good – this is his legacy.
Author and family friend Jay Price wrote: “Every momentous event, even a tragedy, has its symbolic figures. September 11th was no different; it just had a few more of them. Rudy Giuliani, Father Mychal Judge, the four guys on United Flight 93 … a hundred more … a thousand. None bigger than Stephen Siller, whose stature only grows with time as New Yorkers and people from around the world follow his footsteps.”
Tunnel to Towers Foundation is a leading organization dedicated to honoring the sacrifice of our nation’s first responders and military service members. Through our car donation program, we offer a powerful way for you to support Tunnel to Tower’s mission and make a difference in the lives of our heroes. By donating your car, truck, RV, or other vehicle, you will be supporting the Foundation’s programs, including assistance for wounded warriors, support for families of fallen first responders, and the Smart Home Program, which builds specially adapted homes for our most severely injured veterans. The donation process is simple and convenient, with free towing available for all types of vehicles, running or not. Join us and help the Tunnel to Towers Foundation in serving those who have selflessly served our country and making a lasting impact on the lives of our heroes.
Hotel Options
Host Hotel
We have a LIMITED room block at our host hotel, the Fairfield Suites in Marathon. This is a fairly new hotel in a wonderful location, with an incredible on-site restaurant bar. They have extended us largely discounted rooms based on availability. You can book online by clicking the button below!