The Beginning of a New Tradition: The 1st Annual 3.43 for the 343 Long Beach Race
Every year since its inception, the 34.3 Foundation’s 34.3-mile memorial run from Long Beach to Ground Zero has stood as a powerful tribute to the 343 FDNY firefighters who made the ultimate sacrifice on September 11th, 2001. It’s a run born of grit, honor, and remembrance - a physical journey mirroring the emotional weight of that fateful day.
But as the years passed, one question kept echoing through the streets of Long Beach: How can the community do more? How can those who feel the same pull to remember and honor the 343 - but can’t take on a 34.3-mile run — still stand in solidarity, still move with purpose?
With 9/11 falling on weekdays in recent years, many in the Long Beach community felt the weight of missed opportunities to be part of something bigger. Families, teachers, firefighters, local businesses - they all wanted in. They wanted to show up, together.
So now in 2025, the Foundation has answered that call.
On a Sunday morning, September 7th, the first annual 3.43 For The 343 community race was will take place. A shorter distance, but a lasting impact. A symbolic 3.43-mile loop through the heart of Long Beach, designed to be accessible yet deeply meaningful - open to runners, walkers, families, first responders, and anyone who want to honor the legacy of the 343 in a tangible way.
This race is more than just miles on pavement. It’s also a send-off. As the 3.43-mile runners cross the finish line, they will pass symbolic torch - a wave of encouragement for those preparing to run the full 34.3-mile memorial just four days later. This passing of honor from the community to the core runners, will remind them: We’re with you. We remember too.
3.43 for the 343. Shorter distance. Lasting impact.
Schedule:
7:30am: Registration Opens
8:30am: Ceremony
9:11am: Start
Rain or Shine
