A cannon blast rang out in the early morning hours as 35,000 runners stepped off to start the 10-mile trek through the streets of Washington, D.C. for the 29th annual Army Ten-Miler, Oct. 20.
Since 1985, the Army Ten-Miler has grown to be one of the largest ten-mile races in the world with runners from across the U.S. and around the world coming together to compete.
Among those running were 33 Soldiers who traveled thousands of miles from Hawaii, Guam, Alaska and Korea to represent the 9th Mission Support Command in this year's race.
Racing alongside other Soldiers, retirees, Department of Defense employees, veterans, civilians and wounded warriors, the 9th MSC Soldiers tirelessly dashed toward the finish line ultimately bringing home multiple awards for their efforts.
The women's team, made up of eight 9th MSC Soldiers, received first place in the Army Reserve's women's category, while the men's team placed second for their Army Reserve category.
"I could not have been more proud of the Soldiers that placed in the race," said Capt. David Goodman, 9th MSC team officer in charge and plans officer for the 100th Battalion, 442nd Infantry Regiment. "To see the girl's team standing on stage with their 9th MSC shirts was amazing, and the men's team passing around their plague was just as important to me."
This is not the first win for the 9th MSC teams. Since 2009, each of the 9th MSC teams have come out on top in their respective categories.
"What our runners love about the race is the team competition," said Goodman. "Also, it is the premier event for espre de corps for the Army, and our Soldiers get a unique experience since many of them have never been to the nation's capital."
The road to the Ten-Miler was not a short one. In order to participate in this year's race, the Soldiers first had to compete against one another in timed trial events held in each of the 9th MSC's locations throughout the Pacific, which include Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, American Samoa, Korea and Japan.
Nearly 85 Soldiers pushed themselves to the ultimate limits to earn one of the coveted spots to represent the 9th MSC.
1st Lt. Christina Sewell, policy plans officer for U.S. Army Pacific - Support Unit said it was a nice surprise when she found out she earned her place to compete.
"Overall, we were extremely proud to be able to represent the 9th MSC at an event that is so motivating to Soldiers, wounded warriors, retirees, and families of the fallen across the world," said Sewell.
Although the Soldiers of the 9th MSC felt a tremendous amount of pride for their accomplishments, their motivation came from a particular team competing against them in the race.
"Seeing the Army's wounded warriors participate in this race was a huge inspiration to everyone there," said Sewell. "They have such a positive outlook on life and have clearly made it their mantra to never, ever quit."
"It gives the everyday person immeasurable strength seeing them fight through the pain, and in my opinion, their efforts are what make this race such a success," added Sewell.
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