Maj. Gen. James L. Terry, 10th Mountain Division (LI) and Fort Drum commander, meets up to run with members of Fort Drum's Army Ten-Miler team Thursday morning at Memorial Park. The team will represent the installation at the 26th annual Army Ten-Mil...
FORT DRUM, N.Y. - Soldiers from Fort Drum will soon be running through the nation's capital to tell people about the Army's "best kept secret."
On Oct. 24, Fort Drum teams will represent the installation at the 26th annual Army Ten-Miler race in Washington, D.C.
Fort Drum will send four teams - men's, women's, mixed and mixed masters - of six runners, as well as four individuals to participate in the race.
"We are representing the Army's best kept secret and to get out and compete in this great event," said Capt. Alvin T. Cavalier, 3rd Brigade Special Troop Battalion, and a team captain for the Fort Drum Ten-Miler team. "We had a strong second place finish in 2008, and we want to get back and take top honors.
"I had pretty good continuity with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation representatives Ken Lopez, Brandon Doherty and Diane Sykes from the 2008 team," he added. "I went in to speak with Brandon with a vision and a plan for the 2010 team based on the plan and results we had from the 2008 team, and we made it official shortly thereafter."
Those participating in the nation's largest 10-mile foot race will follow a path that will lead them past the Lincoln Memorial, John F. Kennedy Center, World War II Memorial, Washington Monument, Jefferson Memorial, National Mall and the U.S. Capitol.
After the event, runners will have a chance to participate in an expo and post-race party and enjoy numerous "Hooah" tents from Army posts around the world.
Cavalier talked about what the runners are doing to prepare for the race. He said a typical week consists of a five- to six-mile run on Mondays, speed track workout on Tuesdays, 10- to 12-mile run on Wednesdays, cross training on Thursdays with biking or swimming, a six- to eight-mile run on Fridays and a 10- to 12-mile run on Saturdays.
He also took time to express his gratitude to members of the post community and thank them for all they have done to support the runners.
"The team really has appreciated the support from local businesses and other organizations throughout our climb to build a strong running team," Cavalier said. "We've participated in numerous events throughout the area as a goodwill gesture to help prepare our runners.
"Thanks for all of your continued support, and we will make you all proud of Fort Drum and the 10th Mountain Division in Washington, D.C.," he added.
Along with the running team, other members of the division will be going to support the runners and ensure they are taken care of during the event.
"The team has been preparing for a long time and they have high expectations, not just in participating, but also doing well and representing the division," said Capt. Chester D. Boyles, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, action officer for the Ten-Miler team. "This is a great opportunity, and I know everyone will do their best."
Also showing their support for the team were members of Northern New York chapter of Association of the U.S. Army.
"The Army Ten-Miler team from Fort Drum is the best of the best," said Joe McLaughlin, president of the Northern New York chapter of AUSA. "They are going down there and bring home the trophy this year."
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