Two 500th Military Intelligence Brigade Soldiers, who are also members of Hawaii's Army Ten Miler Team (ATMT), participated in the Republic of Singapore's 17th Annual Singapore Army Half Marathon, August 24 in Singapore City.
Capt. Shawn Dodge and 1st Lt. Kelly Calway, both from the 500th MI BDE, along with there Ten Miler Teammate, Staff Sgt. Daniel Lopez, who works in Orthopedics at Tripler Army Medical Center, joined more than 70,000 other participants on the Esplanade Bridge for the start of the race. The mass amount of runners spanned the entire length of the bridge, which is 260 meters.
Organized by the Singapore Army, the Half Marathon began at the picturesque Marina Bay, and wound past famous landmarks, such as the Singapore Flyer, the Marina Bay Gardens, and over the Marina Barrage before ending at Padang Park.
The United States Army was one of nine Foreign Armies represented at the race; others included New Zealand, Brunei, Cambodia, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Myanmar and Thailand.
Significant to this year's marathon was that History was made. It was the first time a U.S. Army team competed in 13.1 miles race, and Calway was the first female in the event's history to represent a foreign army.
"It was an incredible experience to represent the United States Army in a foreign country," said Calway. "I was the only U.S. and Foreign army female running. During the race it was especially motivating to know that I was running for more than myself. I was honored to represent the U.S. Army in Singapore."
Teammate Capt. Shawn Dodge was just as pleased with the race and experience.
"I ran because I love to run. As a member of the Hawaii 10-mile team, I was asked to get some runners together who could go and represent the U.S. Army at the race in Singapore," he said about how the three man team came to be. "Not only was I happy to go run, I figured that the timing and distance of the event could not have been better. And, to be able to represent my country doing something that I love to do is quite a unique opportunity."
Additionally, Dodge appreciated the professionalism and organization of the race as well as the incredible host nation support.
"The Singapore army sponsored the race, which was the most organized, professionally run event I have ever seen," Dodge said. "I have raced all over the continental U.S. including marathons in Boston, Seattle, Portland, San Diego, Washington D.C., Phoenix, and Las Vegas and have yet to come across an event more well organized. I would highly recommend this race to anyone."
Even with a competitive field to run against, the Hawaii Team represented the United States well. Dodge finished with a time of 1:21, Calway took finished just behind him with a time of 1:32, and Lopez followed here with a time of 1:44.
Next up for the team: the Army Ten Miler this October.
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