FORT DRUM, N.Y. (Aug. 18, 2016) -- Soldiers of 10th Mountain Division (LI) gave it their all Aug. 10 on the streets of Fort Drum in hopes of representing the installation in the Army Ten-Miler, scheduled for Oct. 9 at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C.
The six-mile qualification run tested the physical and mental capabilities of the 48 runners, each of whom showed great dedication in training for the event, said Diane Sykes, Fort Drum's Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation sports secretary.
"It's an honor and privilege to run for Fort Drum and represent the post," Sykes said.
A male team, a female team and a mixed team -- each with six members -- will represent Fort Drum in this year's event.
Pfc. Anthony Villanueva, a human resources specialist with Headquarters and Headquarters Company, 1st Brigade Combat Team, made the attempt. For him, running is a passion.
"I just love running," Villanueva said. "I figured being on the Ten-Miler team my first year in the Army would be great."
Villanueva finished in just over 39 minutes, which did not earn him a spot on the team, but it did qualify him to train with the runners.
Every participant had his or her own motivation for running. For Villanueva, it was progression.
"I wanted to be faster," he said. "I wanted to be better, and I wanted to be first."
Villanueva's warrior spirit shone through as he vowed to keep up the hard work.
"Next year I'm going to hit the sprints, hit some resistance training, and I'm going to continue to do my eight miles every day," he said.
The Army Ten-Miler, now in its 32nd year, is held each October and is produced by the Military District of Washington.
The mission of the Army Ten-Miler is to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support Army fitness goals and enhance community relations.
This was the second qualifier Fort Drum officials held for the Army Ten-Miler, giving a second chance to some and an opportunity to others who weren't able to attend the first one in May, Sykes said.
"I just wish them well (in Washington)," Sykes said. "It's a phenomenal event, and it's amazing to see over 20,000 runners out there running."
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