Not all runs are created equal.
While Soldiers on Army posts conduct runs every day as part of their Physical Readiness Training regimens, some events bring together runners to show support for a higher goal.
Fort Jackson's 5th annual 5K Run/Walk for the Fallen - at 8 a.m. Aug. 15 on Darby Field - is one such event.
The run, organized by Fort Jackson's Survivor Outreach Services, evolved from a nationwide effort to honor Service members who died in Iraq, said Leslie Smith, Fort Jackson SOS coordinator. A previous commanding general designated the run to "honor South Carolina Service members lost since Sept. 11."
Brig. Gen. Paul Chamberlain, Soldier Support Institute commander, was quoted in a 2014 Fort Jackson Leader article as saying the run showed gratitude to the survivors who had to bear the "unimaginable heartbreak" of losing a loved one in the country's defense.
Last year, more than 1,500 Soldiers and civilians participated in the event, with SSI providing more than 300 Soldiers. During that run, Soldiers wore the names of the fallen pinned to their runners' bibs.
The institute is scheduled to lead the run again this year.
The event is free, but runners can buy commemorative T-shirts for $10 each.
For more information, call 751-3484.
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