FORT SILL, Okla. (Sept. 15, 2016) -- Marine Capt. Don Tidwell, age 75, runs about 25 races every year and said the Devil Dog Run is his favorite.
"I like the esprit de corps, I like the organization, I like the respect that you see," said Tidwell, a retired high school track coach, who lives in Caddo, Okla. "Nobody knows that I was a captain in the Marine Corps, but it's still 'yes sir,' 'no sir.'"
The Fort Sill Marine Corps Artillery Detachment (MARDET) hosted its 23rd Annual Devil Dog Run Sept. 10, at the New Post Chapel. Several hundred runners, joggers and walkers participated in the run, which featured competitive 10k and 5k courses, and a 1-mile fun run, through the Academic Heights housing area and various points on post.
"It was a good run, it was perfect weather," said Tidwell, who ran the 10k. His wife, Wanda, ran the 5k.
MARDET Commander Col. Timothy Parker, and MARDET Sgt. Maj. James Moran welcomed the runners and encouraged them to have a great, fun run. The commander then asked for a moment of silence for the 9/11 victims.
Two aligned M777 155mm howitzers formed a pointed arch, which made a nice backdrop for the start/finish line.
With a motivating 105mm howitzer blast provided by B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery, "Salute Battery," the 10k runners were the first off at about 8:15 a.m. on Fort Sill Boulevard. Ten minutes later the gun crew fired again signaling the start of the 5k.
The run is a fundraiser for the junior enlisted Marines of the MARDET for the Corps' birthday ball in November, said race director Capt. Shawn Burkhart, MARDET battery training commander. Nearly every Marine at the detachment, whether staff or student, was involved in the run as a volunteer or running in the events.
"The Marines who are running are there for motivation -- to show everybody how it's done," he said.
Burkhart said the run was a way for the community to meet the Fort Sill Marines.
"We want the runners to interact with the Marines, we want them to know what we do here, we want to show them our faces, our colors, our pride and to show our support for the community," he said.
After finishing his run, Moran ran back onto the course cheering and encouraging runners to-ward the finish.
"I want them to take the spirit that they start with and to finish even stronger," Moran said. "If they bring that to the table that by far beats any race time. It's all about heart."
About 50 Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps candidates from Ulysses S. Grant High School from Oklahoma City ran. The school has been doing the run for five years, said retired Marine Master Sgt. Howard Moore, JROTC instructor.
"I want them to get a sense of confidence in their abilities," said Moore. "It's a big task, but they can overcome it with mental toughness."
Retired Col. J.T. Smith brought eight children from the Lawton Academy of Arts and Sciences running club to the Devil Dog Run.
"They did great, they had a super experience out here, we'll be back next year," said Smith, who teaches fourth and fifth grade, and physical education for the entire school.
Sgt. Opal Smith, Headquarters and Headquarters Battery, 1st Battalion, 14th Field Artillery, said she ran the 5k race and her husband, Timothy Woelk ran the 10K "to support the Marines and to have fun."
It was a nice course, Smith said. "It was scenic and there were a couple hills. I enjoyed the picturesque view of Fort Sill."
They had impressive runs with Smith finishing fourth in her age group, and Woelk finished second in his age group and eighth overall.
Army wife Stephanie Ramirez was the top finisher in the women's 10k.
"I'm really excited. I run marathons, so this was part of my training," she said.
While she was running the 10k, her husband Benjamin, and three children were part of the family fun run.
About a dozen sponsors helped make the Devil Dog Run a success, said Logan Ralston, Fort Sill Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation Commercial Sponsorship and Advertising account executive.
"Commercial sponsorship support is important because units can't do it all by themselves," Ralston said. "Without them we wouldn't be able to put on some events.
After the run, Parker recognized the top finishers with medals and trophies. Burkhart awarded all the children runners with medals.
For complete race results, visit www.dgroadracing.com.
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