Story by Katie Hightower

On April 25-26 runners will make their way through Jackson County to honor our nation’s fallen soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice since the War on Terror which included Operation Iraqi Freedom, Enduring Freedom and New Dawn. The two-day Alabama Run for the Fallen marathon will stretch from Huntsville to Centre and each mile runners will pay their respects the heroes of our nation who have died since Oct. 12, 2000.

After the 7 A.M. kickoff in Huntsville at Big Cove Greenway Park on April 25, runners will head towards Jackson County and should arrive at Weathington Park around 5 P.M. The runners will then rest overnight from the day’s grueling 41.5 mile journey.

At 7 A.M. on April 24, runners will start a stretch of 52 miles which will span from Weathington Park to Centre. Both days, runners will stop each mile to salute and honor service members’ lives and pay respects to their families. A total of 391 fallen heroes will be remembered with markers along the route.

Families of fallen service members honored in the race were encouraged to attend and stand at the markers designated for their loved ones. They can bring pictures, banners, posters or other personal items as a personal tribute for them. As runners arrive at the markers, they will salute and say the names of the fallen. 

Each marker will have a specific time for the runners’ arrivals and the schedule for the markers and the service members honored at them was posted on the website for the race.

Those interested in attending the race, volunteering their help or sponsoring the race may visit the race’s website at https://alabama.usarunforthefallen.org