Beyond the Miles: USARJ Team Set for the Army Ten-Miler

By Noriko Kudo, U.S. Army Garrison Japan Public AffairsOctober 2, 2026

Beyond the Miles: USARJ Team Set for the Army Ten-Miler
U.S. Army Japan Ten-Miler team members complete their final training run Oct. 1, 2026, at Camp Zama, Japan. The squad logged over 1,200 miles during September in preparation for the upcoming Army Ten-Miler competition in Washington, D.C. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

CAMP ZAMA, Japan — Over the past month, the ten-miler team logged over 1,200 miles before completing their final run Oct. 1 on Camp Zama—a grueling cycle of high mileage, speed development, and disciplined recovery.

Supported by pre-event spiritual blessings from the Chaplain Team and comprehensive care from Holistic Health and Fitness staff, morale remains high ahead of their trip to Washington, D.C. for the Army Ten-Miler.

Beyond the Miles: USARJ Team Set for the Army Ten-Miler
U.S. Army Japan Ten-Miler team members complete their final training run Oct. 1, 2026, at Camp Zama, Japan. The squad logged over 1,200 miles during September in preparation for the upcoming Army Ten-Miler competition in Washington, D.C. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

U.S. Army Japan team organizer Capt. Jorge Vargas highlighted their progress and relentless work ethic.

"The team has been working very hard on picking up their pace," Vargas said. "Last couple of weeks we focused on distance and absorption."

Beyond the Miles: USARJ Team Set for the Army Ten-Miler
U.S. Army Japan Ten-Miler team members complete their final training run Oct. 1, 2026, at Camp Zama, Japan. The squad logged over 1,200 miles during September in preparation for the upcoming Army Ten-Miler competition in Washington, D.C. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

To stay connected across Japan, the Camp Zama squad trained side-by-side with remote teammates like Staff Sgt. Ryan Figgins—assigned to 38th ADA at Shariki Communications Site—who chimed in via live video feed during their final run.

Sticking strictly to the training plan and keeping each other accountable forged key gains in speed and cohesion.

Beyond the Miles: USARJ Team Set for the Army Ten-Miler
U.S. Army Japan Ten-Miler team members complete their final training run Oct. 1, 2026, at Camp Zama, Japan. The squad logged over 1,200 miles during September in preparation for the upcoming Army Ten-Miler competition in Washington, D.C. To stay connected across Japan, the Camp Zama squad trained side-by-side with remote teammates like Staff Sgt. Ryan Figgins—assigned to 38th ADA at Shariki Communications Site—who chimed in via live video feed during their final run. (Photo Credit: Noriko Kudo) View original

Vargas emphasized that the race is a vital opportunity to demonstrate teamwork, resilience, and esprit de corps.

“Most importantly, I expect every Soldier to give their best effort while prioritizing teamwork and the successful representation of USARJ," Vargas concluded.