Kara Welt, an Air Force linguist, ran the 10-Miler with her service dog. "I think often about those who have physical injuries and even those who did not come home," ashe said. "I'm running for them and this event really brings together the veterans ...
ALEXANDRIA, VIRGINIA (October 11, 2015) -- The All-Army Athletes finished one-two-three on a cool and crisp morning at the 31st Army Ten-Miler held in the Nation's Capital.
Army Spc. Paul Chelimo finished at 48:19, besting his teammate Spc. Nicholas Kipruto by a few hundredths of a second.
"This was my second time running, shows how training can really improve performance," said Chelimo. "Our main goal was to make sure the Army stayed out front."
In third place was Spc. Shadrack Kipchirchir at 48:20 in one of the closest three-way finishes in the history of the event. Their times, combined with the next male finisher and the only female runner on their team, resulted in a combined time of 3:13:26--a new event record--giving the All-Army Team the International Cup win.
The award was presented by Major General Jeffrey S. Buchanan, Joint Force Headquarters National Capital Region and Military District of Washington commanding general. The International Cup is presented to the winning team comprised of active-duty service members from any nation's armed services. The All-Army team has now won six of the last 10 years, and edged out the Brazilian Army, which held the event record with a combined time of 3:14:44 since 2013.
Over 35,000 military and civilian runners from around the globe registered to compete individually or in team divisions, on a spectacular course which wound through the nation's Capital passing such landmarks as the Lincoln Memorial, Korean War Memorial, Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial, U.S. Capital and the Washington Memorial.
Taking the top female spot was Tina Muir from Lexington, Kentucky. Originally from St. Albans, England, and used to smaller crowds, Muir confessed that "it was a lot more packed than I was used to, but I was ready to go. I had no pressure and wanted to enjoy it."
Muir was impressed by the sights to be seen from the course, but also ran to show support to the U.S. Army.
"This is really cool, a part of American History," said Muir with a genuine smile. "I want to tell all the members of the U.S. Army 'thank you for all that you do.' You are important to the security of the world and I love this country. I am extremely grateful."
The race officially started on time at 8:00 a.m., but Wounded Warriors, Survivors and Wave 1 runners were allowed to assemble at the starting line as early as 6:20 a.m., permitting the most eager and dedicated to form in the first row of the starting line.
One of those was former Airman Roger Harris, from Rhode Island, who lost his legs in an accident not related to his service to the nation.
"Don't feel bad I'm on a bike but I can't move my legs," he said. "I'm enjoying my life and got married just three years ago."
"I work for Paralyzed Veterans of America now and this has become my new sport," said Harris with pride as he prepared his arm-powered bike for the race. "It's better for my shoulders, but really it's all about the people I meet and the places we go -- outdoors and in the fresh air."
Like many of the participants, this was a return trip for Harris, and he arrived with a goal of beating his personal best.
"Last year I just winged it, but this year I had some training," said Harris. "My personal goal is to take ten minutes off my time."
The mission of the Army Ten-Miler is to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support Army fitness goals and enhance community relations, but for some it's a very personal race, and for other's it's bigger than the Army.
"I'm grateful to be alive and are here running with a teammate," said Cpt. Christy Wise, a former Air Force C130 pilot.
"Now I run for an organization that raises money to get prosthetic limbs for kids," Wise said. She comes to events like the Army 10-Miler to raise awareness about children with prosthetic needs, and to spread the message "Don't for a second long for what you were, but recklessly pursue what you will become."
Some wounds were invisible save for the presence of a service dog, as was that case for Kara Welte, an Air Force airborne linguist.
"This is my second time running the Army Ten-Miler," Welte said. "Racing is my way of recovering with PTSD."
Welte has been suffering since 2011 and took three years to find treatment that worked for her.
"I found my therapy in a rescue organization and now we run together," she said exchanging knowing glances at her four legged companion. "I think often about those who have physical injuries and even those who did not come home. I'm running for them and this event really brings together the veterans and builds a unique camaraderie, something I need."
All race proceeds benefit Soldier MWR programs, which are headquartered at The U.S. Army Installation Management Command in San Antonio, Texas.
"This is what life is all about -- the people," said Lt. Gen. David D. Halverson, IMCOM's commanding general, as he greeted the All-Army runners before the race. "You are now ambassadors, not only as runners, but for who you are as people. This will serve you well in life, representing our nation."
"I'm like a proud father of these kids," Halverson said later in the day. "It's a great feeling to see a strong Army and country."
Approximately 750 athletes registered to "Run To Honor" a particular fallen hero at the Army Ten-Miler Expo held at the D.C. Armory the two days prior to the race. Run to Honor is a campaign by the Army Survivor Outreach Services, a part of IMCOM's Family and MWR directorate, to increase awareness of surviving military Families and the meaning behind the symbols of honor they wear
Staff Sgt. Quentin McCoy, U.S. Army World Class Athlete Program assistant boxing coach was at the Run to Honor booth representing the soldier athletes he works with daily. McCoy was eager to fit visitors to the booth with a set of boxing gloves, receive some practice jabs and talk about the program.
"I feel honored to have served with the best people from all different walks of life," he said. "The Army has provided me with the discipline needed to be successful in life."
The top finishers in the All-Army team are members of the World Class Athlete Program, which provides opportunities for Soldier-athletes to train and compete in national and international competitions, while serving and maintaining a professional military career.
The program builds a team, but the members of the team inspire each to perform at the top, according to Chelimo.
"The Army told us all to work together," said Chelimo. "That kept us in the lead through nine miles. Then when we had victory assured, we looked at each other and said for the last mile 'it's every man for himself' all the way to the finish."
The camaraderie kept them together in the front of the pack, until the three-way race to the finish led to the fasted team time in the history of the event.
"In this kind of sport, my advice is to never give up, don't quit," Harris said. "Life is a gift and you should live it to the fullest. Do with what you have and do the best you can."
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The U.S. Army Installation Management Command
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