Marathon in Iraq to Honor Fallen Heroes: Marines Run for TAPS in Fallujah

More than 6,000 miles from Arlington, Va., up to 300 deployed Marines will earn their place as official Marine Corps Marathon (MCM) finishers by completing the first-ever satellite running of the event in Iraq's Anbar province. In conjunction with the Marines of the Multi National Force West, service members from throughout Iraq will gather to participate in the 26.2 mile test of endurance -- touted as the MCM Forward -- to honor their fellow servicemen. Today, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors ("TAPS") announced the partnership between Team TAPS, composed of participants in the 31st Marine Corps Marathon who are running in honor of a fallen hero and MCM Forward.

"Thousands of Americans are deployed in Iraq, from all branches of the Armed Forces," said Bonnie Carroll, chairman of TAPS. "These men and women embody the values of physical excellence and commitment to freedom. By partnering with Team TAPS, they will be honoring their fallen comrades while proudly serving their country."

Adding to the spirit of the run in Iraq and the values of the Corps to remain "Always Faithful," the Marines will honor their fallen by partnering with the surviving military families of Team TAPS in the United States who are running and remembering their loved ones in the Marine Corps Marathon. Dawn Rowe, widow of Captain Alan Rowe and Team TAPS member, said that, "TAPS has been extremely beneficial to us since my husband was killed in Iraq. Running this marathon in his honor and in support of TAPS is an opportunity for me to contribute to the cause that has helped so many families like mine."

Team TAPS represents those who have died in service to their country in the annual Marine Corps Marathon. Team TAPS is comprised of surviving family members, civilian runners, patriotic supporters and enthusiastic volunteers who work to raise funds and awareness for the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS). These individuals are dedicated to providing care to family, friends and loved ones of our fallen heroes by raising contributions to sustain the vital mission of TAPS. To donate to Team TAPS, visit http://www.taps.org.

Founded in 1994, the Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS) is the national non-profit organization dedicated to providing emotional support to the family and friends of all military personnel who have died while serving their country. TAPS helps survivors cope and heal in the aftermath of their loss through a variety of programs, including a national peer support network, the annual National Military Survivor Seminar and Good Grief Camp for Young Survivors, crisis intervention care, grief and trauma resources and a toll-free 24 hour hotline at 800-959- TAPS. For more information, visit http://www.taps.org or call 202-588-TAPS (8277).

To contact the Multi National Force West Public Affairs Officer in Iraq, Major Megan McClung, email megan.mcclung@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.

To contact the Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator, Beth Cline, email elizabeth.cline@usmc.mil or call 703-432-1165.

Servicemembers and civilians run the satellite Marine Corps Marathon while convoy operations continue at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 29. The participants came from bases across the country to participate in the event. Runners went in the record books as completing the stateside event.

Servicemembers and civilians deployed to Iraq maneuver a hill during the first satellite Marine Corps Marathon hosted at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 29

A volunteer servicemember hands water to runners of the first satellite Marine Corps Marathon hosted at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 29

Capt. Ben Friedrick crosses the finish line of the first satellite Marine Corps Marathon hosted at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 29. Friedrick was the first male finisher in the race with a time of 3:06:03. He is the operations officer and an EA-6B Prowler pilot with Marine Electronic Warfare Squadron 3, Marine Central Command.

Cpl. Amy Lane approaches the finish line of the satellite Marine Corps Marathon hosted at Al Asad, Iraq, Oct. 29. Lane was the first female finisher in the race with a time of 3:33:54. She is an Arabic linguist with 2nd Radio Battalion, I Marine Expeditionary Force.

Marine Corps Marathon to Run in Iraq Marine Corps Marathon Forward offers deployed military members chance to earn coveted title of MCM Finisher QUANTICO, VA - The Marine Corps Marathon, in conjunction with the Marines of the Multi National Force West, announced today the first-ever satellite running of the annual event. Touted as the Marine Corps Marathon Forward, service members from throughout Iraq will gather to participate in the 26.2 mile test of endurance in 80 degree temperatures. More than 6,000 miles from the Arlington, VA finish line, the deployed Marines will earn their place as a MCM finisher by completing the event in the Al Anbar province.

"More than 22,000 Marines are deployed to the area of operations, and even more from other branches," said Rick Nealis, MCM Race Director. "Even during lengthy and sometimes stressful deployments, they continue to embody the values of physical excellence and fitness. The MCM Forward offers them a training goal at no cost to the individual runner, to keep motivated while proudly serving our country far from home."

More than just lending its name, the MCM is contributing to the operation of MCM Forward. The MCM will provide event guidance and logistical support including race bibs, t-shirts, medals, awards and patches. Official finishers of the MCM Forward will receive a medal upon their completion, plus a certificate and finisher CD. MCM sponsors have also pledged to support the event by sending Jelly Belly Sport Beans, ZonePerfect bars, Tylenol 8 hour and USAA finisher coins to the race.

For more information Marines deployed to the region should contact their local MWR or the Multi National Force - West Public Affairs Officer in Iraq, Major Megan McClung at megan.mcclung@cemnf-wiraq.usmc.mil.

Media interested in covering the event should contact Beth Cline, MCM Public Relations Coordinator at elizabeth.cline@usmc.mil.

Voted "Best Marathon for Families" by HerSports Magazine, the Marine Corps Marathon continues a combined tradition of dedication, sportsmanship and patriotism. Since its inception, over 300,000 civilian and military runners from all walks of life have participated, deservingly earning the event its nickname "The People's Marathon." The 31st Marine Corps Marathon will be held on October 29, 2006. Visit marinemarathon.com for more information.

For media information, contact Beth Cline, Marine Corps Marathon Public Relations Coordinator at (703) 432-1165, or Elizabeth.Cline@usmc.mil. No federal or Marine Corps endorsement implied.

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