It is a sad but honest truth that the Tribeca Film Festival might very well not exist today were it not for September 11th, 2001. Launched mere months after the tragic events that would alter New York City forever, the Festival was created to breathe vital life into Lower Manhattan, to bring joy to all New Yorkers through the cathartic and unifying power of film.

Today, our Festival stands as a cultural and artistic touchpoint the world over. But it all began as a tribute — to those we lost on September 11th, to New Yorkers who risked their lives to save others, and to Lower Manhattanites whose lives and communities would never be the same.

At Tribeca, we know our debts, and year after year, we're proud to honor this legacy across our programming and artistic initiatives. But we also understand the value of paying tribute within the community through public events like the 9/11 Memorial 5K Run/Walk, which raises awareness about the National September 11 Memorial & Museum and encourages widespread volunteerism in honor of the heroic efforts of many who were lost on 9/11.

Although the run/walk typically takes place on the Sunday directly following the Festival's final day, many Tribeca staffers continue to rise up early and participate in the event.

"You would think at the end of the festival a 5km run/walk early on a Sunday morning is the last thing you would want to do," says Ben Thompson, a longtime Short Film Programmer at the Festival who has run for the past two years. "However, the energy and the spirit of the event really gives you an incredible emotional lift and sense of collective achievement at the end of the Festival, leaving you feeling fresher, stronger, and more centered from being a part of it."

Registration is now open here. (And if you sign up with a corporate or community team, you are entitled to free registration and other exclusive benefits!)

Run to remember, but run to also fortify the intrinsic and resilient bond that we, as New Yorkers, continue to — and will forever — share.

Learn more at 911Memorial.org/5K.