For several years, a Scott County man has hit the pavement to honor the 2,977 lives lost during the Sept. 11, 2001 terror attacks.
But this year, Trinity Smith decided to go the extra mile for his memorial run by wearing full firefighter gear for every step. The running outfit included a helmet, boots and an air pack which weighs about 80 pounds.
Smith says he did not take off a single piece of the first responder's uniform.
Smith started the tribute journey at 7:30 a.m. Tuesday morning on Alberta Street in Oneida. He kept his pace throughout the day to finish the 50-mile plus route around 8:30 p.m. Tuesday evening with emergency vehicles blaring behind him as he ran alongside first responders.
Smith says it's his way of showing love and honor to the victims who died on that tragic day as well as the many heroes.
Several emergency responders across Scott County came out to support Smith along his path and escorted him through the final mile.
"A lot of people lost their lives, and those that didn't, look what they went through to help them. Today, I put on that outfit, and I knew I'd suffer. I knew I would, but it's my way of showing honor to them," Smith said.
Smith has run to support causes as well, including in 2014 when he ran 50 miles to help raise money for a friend who was fighting cancer.
