WASHINGTON (Army News Service, Oct. 5, 2009) -- The Army Ten-Miler celebrated 25 years of running Sunday with Soldiers, families and friends joining together in the nation's capital to show their support for the service.
For Quantico, Va., native Kelly Zimmermann and her daughter, it was all about supporting their loved one as he raced to the finish. John Zimmermann, a member of the Army National Guard's All-Guard team, has competed in 25 marathons.
As his daughter clutched a sign reading "Run strong daddy," the Army's emphasis on families was evident along the 10-mile course.
Remembrance was another theme heard resonating along the course. The family of Pfc. Dillon Miles Jutras has gathered at the race every year since his October 2005 death in Iraq to honor his memory. They carried American flags and wore tee shirts with his image as they either ran or cheered from the sidelines during the race.
Jordan Lockaby, Jutras's cousin, says the race helps bring the family closer together.
"This is the best way to honor Dillon," the Andersen, S.C., native said of the Ten-Miler. "We just thank God for this opportunity to celebrate his life."
Others along the race route used the Army Ten-Miler as a time to reunite with old friends and cheer on runners pounding the pavement for a good cause. A group of D.C. area women cheered on their friend with a particularly dreamy race sign. They carried a life-size cardboard cut-out of teen heart throb and Twilight star Robert Pattinson with the quote "M.B. I dumped Bella because she cannot run." This humorous sign seemed to be the lady-runners favorite at the five-mile stretch.
"We are so proud of our friends for running the Ten-Miler," said Julie Schwan, leader of the rowdy bunch of fans. "We just never knew how many other runners would appreciate us being here."
For others, competing in the race was not about their loved ones, but about supporting strangers they have never met.
"We want Soldiers to know we love them," said Cynthia Christian, a Fredericksburg, Va., resident. "And this is just our little way of showing support."
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