Long Knives complete marathon in Maysan

By 1st Lt. Justin Bishop, 4th BCT, 1st Cav. Div.May 8, 2009

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FORWARD OPERATING BASE HUNTER, Iraq - Twenty U.S. Soldiers stationed here displayed their running endurance as they participated in the "Mighty Maysan Marathon" recently.

"We wanted to give Soldiers a break from a high-op tempo, while also giving them something to be proud of once they return home," said 1st Lt. Andrey Postrigan, of Plano, Texas. Postrigan, a platoon leader in the 5th Battalion, 82nd Field Artillery Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 1st Cavalry Division 'Long Knives' was the assistant organizer and winner of the marathon.

Postrigan was one of only five Soldiers to complete the entire 26.2 miles, which is the distance for a standard marathon.

Approximately 80 percent of the participants signed up to complete a half marathon.

"I was glad that nearly all of my platoon came out to run with me today," said Sgt. Timothy Connolly, Battery A, 5th Bn., 82nd FA Regt., winner of the half marathon. "I never thought I would have been able to do something like this while deployed."

Capt. Kenneth Evans, another Long Knife leader, was the main organizer of the Mighty Maysan Marathon. Soldiers who competed each received a specially made shirt to commemorate the event.