Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary

By Staff Sgt. Jennifer C. Johnson, JFHQ-NCR/MDW Public AffairsOctober 13, 2014

Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary
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Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary
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Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary
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Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary
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Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary
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Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary
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Tens of thousands celebrate Army Ten-Miler's 30th anniversary
7 / 7 Show Caption + Hide Caption – Hooah tents from across the Army were set up in the Pentagon parking lot for 35,000 runners and 720 teams from around the globe, who came to the nation's capital to participate in the annual Army Ten-Miler, celebrating the race's 30th anniversary, Oc... (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

WASHINGTON (Oct. 12, 2014) -- A total of 35,000 runners and 720 teams from around the globe came to the nation's capital to participate in the annual Army Ten-Miler celebrating the race's 30th anniversary.

The race is the Army's premiere running event, beginning and ending in front of the Pentagon, after guiding runners past some of the nation's most iconic monuments.

Solonei R. DaSilva from Brazil finished first in the men's division in 48:28. Paulo Roberto A. Paul, another runner from Brazil, finished second in 48:29. Franck C. Almeida from Brazil finished third in 48:32.

Kerri A. Gallagher from Arlington, Va., finished first in the women's division in 54:50. Spc. Caroline N. Jepleting, a runner from the U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program, finished second in 56:34. Caitlin Bullock, from Durham, N.C., finished third in 57:17.

"This is my first time participating with the Army Ten-Miler team," said Jepleting with the WCAP Army Ten-Miler team, and top female military winner. "It felt good running this race and I was really impressed with my time. I'm hoping to be back next year to do even better."

Produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the Army Ten-Miler is the third largest ten-mile race in the world. The mission of the Army Ten-Miler is to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support fitness goals and enhance community relations.

"Congratulations to all our finishers," said James A. Vandak, the Army Ten-Miler race director. "The Army Ten-Miler is the spirit of sport and the spirit of a nation. We hope that all our runners experienced this spirit and will be back to run Army again next year."

All proceeds raised go toward the Army Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs for Soldiers and their families.

"Army Ten-Miler is like a big family homecoming," said Retired Col. Gregory Gadson, wounded warrior and Army Ten-Miler participant. "You're able to exercise and have fun doing it. I look forward to participating next year."

Race day events were held in the Pentagon's parking lot and included live music provided by the U.S. Army Band Downrange, a demonstration by the Golden Knights Army Parachute Team, "Hooah" Tents from Army installations showing military pride, youth runs, various children's activities, and interactive Army displays.

Related Links:

All-Army team tops Brazilians in 30th Army Ten-Miler

Learn more about the U.S. Army Military DIstrict of Washington

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Army Ten-Miler

More photos from this event