ROCK ISLAND ARSENAL, Illinois -- (Sept. 25, 2016) The Rock Island Arsenal was once again an integral part of the Quad Cities Marathon on Sunday, Sept. 25, as the installation has been a functional part of the Marathon, which is in its nineteenth year and covers five races, four cities, three bridges, two states, and the area's historic Arsenal Island. The 26.2 mile run starts and ends in downtown Moline.
RIA supported the passage of the Marathon across the installation with a number of employees that were on duty that day including RIA police, fire fighters, as well as employees from the RIA Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation program.
Desiree Aidala, Recreation-Wellness Specialist, RIA FMWR, has played a key part in the coordination between the Arsenal and Marathon officials to bring the event across the installation. This has included the coordination of volunteers who set up stations to give water out to the runners during its transit across the Post.
"We had 88 volunteers of ours on Island, and other committees on Island for the sponge and fruit/candy stops, which were another 10 volunteers," said Aidala. "I would say about 80 percent were of our workforce or retirees."
As far as how well the event went as it passed through Rock Island Arsenal, Aidala said it was a success.
"(The) day went great in spite of the heat factors," she said. "One person was taken by ambulance and only minor incidents were reported."
The positive momentum of the race began at its kickoff, where the Garrison Commander, Col. Kenneth Tauke, joined with the mayors of each of the Quad Cities from in front of the iWireless Center in Moline to pump up the participants seconds before the run began.
"Hey runners, we look forward to having you come across the Arsenal," said Tauke. "We have eight miles of roadway that you'll be coming across. We look forward to you coming through, and stay Army Strong as you run! Hooah!"
On the installation, the Marathon was dubbed a special event and the public was encouraged to come to Rock Island Arsenal to cheer on participants. While the public turn out wasn't huge, some Marathon participants' friends and families were on-Island to clap and cheer for them. In some circumstances, the family members ran with the participant to show their support.
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