Lower Makefield resident Gregory Tarallo, together with his Newtown based web development company, netStride Internet Solutions is once again organizing the “9/11 Garden of Reflection Run/Walk”, a 5K race to raise money for the endowment to preserve the Garden of Reflection 9/11 memorial for future generations. This race, now in its twelfth year has raised over $150,000 thus far.

The USATF sanctioned event is being held on Sunday, September 13 at 9 am. It will start and end at the site of the memorial and is open to both residents and non-residents. Awards will be presented for the top three male and female participants in each age group.

New this year, the 5k has added a unique opportunity for participants called the “Virtual Challenge.” Managed by Virtual Charity Events, a Lower Makefield based business, a virtual challenge allows anyone, of any ability, located anywhere, to support the 9/11 memorial endowment. Between Friday, September 11th and Monday, September 14th, participants run or walk whenever they want, wherever they want, as often as they want, as fast or slow as they want to participate. They can even run or walk on a treadmill. As Greg explains, “Over the years of running the race numerous people have moved out of the area or couldn’t make the 5k because of other commitments. The virtual challenge lets everyone participate, even if they can’t make it to the 5k. And for those running the 5k who want a little extra challenge, they can participate in both.” All those participating in the Virtual Challenge will receive a beautiful, custom designed medal and ribbon, and be eligible to win prizes for completing the most miles by age/gender groups.

The Garden of Reflection, located on Woodside Road in Lower Makefield was designed as a tribute to the eighteen residents of Bucks County as well as the 3,000 other victims who perished on September 11, 2001. The memorial was officially opened and dedicated on September 30, 2006.

Moved by the events of 9/11, Tarallo organized the first race in 2004 to give the community, devastated with eighteen of its own killed, a way to come together and heal while taking part in the grassroots effort to raise monies to build the memorial. “This is a great event for both runners and walkers alike. Seasoned runners will love the flat, scenic course, while walkers will love the idea of a leisurely, early morning stroll with friends and family, all while benefiting a worthy cause. And the virtual challenge opens the event up to anyone, anywhere”, he said.

“Each year, as the anniversary of 9/11 looms, people in this community look for ways to commemorate it in an appropriate way. They haven’t forgotten. This event provides that outlet because it literally brings the community together to a place of healing and remembrance. The Garden isn’t a place of darkness. It’s a place of hope. Likewise, the Garden’s motto is, ‘After darkness…Light.’”, Tarallo said.

Visitors to the Garden of Reflection encounter a tear shaped forecourt that displays fragments from the ruins of the World Trade Center. Etched in glass along the Remembrance Walk are the names of the 2,973 September 11 victims. The eighteen maple trees at the outer berm represent the Bucks County residents lost in the attacks, while the forty-two lights along the Spiral Walk represent the forty-two Pennsylvania children who lost a parent that day.

The Garden pathway crosses concentric undulating landforms representing the waves of change inflicted upon us. It then leads to the journey’s central destination – the Heart of the memorial – a reflecting pool encircled by a railing with the eighteen names of the Bucks County victims etched in glass. The circular shape of the pool symbolizes everlasting life and the soothing waters reflect peace. The two recessed square voids at the core symbolize the footprints of the towers, while the ascending twin fountains rise as a metaphor for the soaring spirit of the victims.

Information, along with Participant and Sponsor forms, and online registration for the event are available at http://www.gor5k.com.

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