On September 6, about 300 runners gathered at the American Legion Post 140 on Powers Ferry Road to run the annual RPM911 5K. The race honors the life of Ryan P. Means, who grew up on East Brookhaven Drive, and all those impacted by the September 11, 2001, attacks. Ryan’s brother Alfie, a West Brookhaven Drive resident, oversees the race.

 

This year’s race raised over $200,000 for the Shepherd Center’s SHARE Military Initiative. Since its inception 15 years ago, the race has generated about $1.85 million for the program. SHARE serves first responders and service members with brain injuries and related health concerns.

 

During the opening ceremony, Stovall Boulevard resident and retired U.S. Army captain Tyler Arnold introduced featured speaker Buddy Gengler, a Bronze Star and Purple Heart recipient who served in Iraq before being injured. Buddy went on to earn an MBA and launch his own business. In his spare time, he makes handcrafted wooden flags to support veterans’ charities.

 

This year’s race sign and t-shirts bear the image of Ryan on a bike in Najaf, Iraq, in 2007. Following the 911 attacks, Ryan was inspired to join the military and served in special forces until dying of cancer in 2009. As an homage to Ryan and those impacted by the 9/11 tragedy, the last hill of the challenging 5k race that winds around Chastain Park is nicknamed World Trade Center Hill. “It is an incredibly hard finishing hill,” says Alfie.

 

While the race is over, you can still donate to RPM911 and benefit the SHARE Military Initiative. Visit rpm911race.org.