UC, Greater Cincinnati community runs in remembrance

Most Americans old enough to remember the events of Sept. 11, 2001, can still vividly recall what they were doing when they heard the news that our country had been attacked. But today, the vast majority of college students have little to no recollection of that day — in fact, some had not yet been born.

Since 2015, the University of Cincinnati Office of Veterans Programs & Services has helped ensure that the memories of those who lost their lives in the 9/11 terrorist attacks — as well as the first responders who gave their own lives trying to save others — are not forgotten. Now in its fifth year, the annual 9/11 Stair Run ensures that even those too young to recall that day never forget what happened.

The annual stair run — representing the 2,071 steps in the World Trade Center towers — has grown each year. Some runners are first responders themselves, and take on the challenge of running the stairs in their full personal protective equipment, oxygen tank and all. This year's event drew officers from Northern Kentucky University and ROTC cadets from Xavier University, as well as the usual UC students, faculty, staff and alumni.

Credit for all images below: Joseph Fuqua II/UC Creative Services