SANTA ROSA BEACH, Fla. — To honor and remember the 343 firefighters lost in the 9/11 Terrorist Attacks, the South Walton Fire District (SWFD) will hold its 7th Annual 3.43 Memorial Run on Wednesday, September 11, 2024.

SWFD personnel will meet at Thomas Pilcher Park beneath the Highway 331 Bridge at approximately 8:30 a.m. Then at 8:46 a.m., dispatchers will broadcast a message regarding the attacks, which will be followed by a moment of silence and prayer.

Personnel will begin the walk/run by heading south along U.S. Highway 331 for approximately 1.7 miles, where they will have the opportunity to hydrate/rest if needed. Then, they will run back to the park to complete the 3.43 miles.

“By wearing our gear, carrying the American flag, and running on along the 331 sidewalk, we are publicly honoring 9/11 and those who came before us,” said SWFD Fire Marshal Sammy Sanchez. “When the community sees us running, we hope they show their support with a honk of their car horn or a wave, and that they feel united in the resilient spirit of the American fire service.”

The running/walking event is held internally for SWFD personnel and their family members, however, the community is encouraged to cheer, wave American flags, or watch as participants complete the run.

Please note this event will be weather-dependent for the safety of our personnel.

Local media is invited to attend and cover the event; however, any pre-event coverage will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Direct any questions or inquiries to the SWFD Public Information Officer at pio@swfd.org.

South Walton FIRE DISTRICT Public Information Officer: Mackenzie McClintock

SWFD 7th Annual 3.43 Memorial Run on Wednesday, September 11