FORT BENNING, Ga., (Nov. 13, 2013) -- This year's Soldier Marathon and Half Marathon saw more than 2,000 runners from various places -- both in and out of state. The event consisted of a 5K, 13.1-mile half marathon and a 26.2-mile marathon.
Race Director Cecil Cheves said the event brings the entire running community together to support Soldiers.
"We came to Fort Benning and said, 'How can we salute the Soldiers? What can we do?'" he said about how the marathon began. "And so the mission of this race is to salute the Soldiers and to give runners a great experience to showcase this beautiful community, Fort Benning and the Riverwalk in Columbus."
The marathon began four years ago with more than 700 runners participating, he said. And each year the number of participants continues to increase.
Proceeds from the event go to the National Infantry Museum and House of Heroes, Cheves said.
The top finisher for the marathon was Roger Hagues, who clocked in at 2:45:05. A Columbus native, Hagues first participated in the marathon in 2010, he said. Back then he was runner-up.
"I'm very happy to be done -- very proud that I was able to finish and win the race," he said after coming through the finish line.
He attributed his success to doing long runs on the weekends and daily running. He said running comes naturally to him.
"It's a matter of just sticking to it and being tough the whole way through," Hagues said.
The top three finishers for the marathon were Hagues, Robbie Hammett and James Hill. For more information about times and how runners placed, visit www.soldiermarathon.com.
Social Sharing