U.S. and coalition forces take part in the Bagram 10 Miler Oct. 6, 2003. U.S. Army photo
Bagram 10 Miler Brings Coalition Forces Together
By U.S. Army Spc. Kelly Hunt / 4 th Public Affairs Detachment
BAGRAM, Afghanistan , Oct. 6, 2003 — Coalition troops and civilians supporting Operation Enduring Freedom joined forces to compete side-by-side during the Bagram Army 10 Miler run, cheering each other on from the start to the finish of the race as the runners made their way over the dusty course.
For most, the thrill of the race was running alongside people who share the ambition and pride that comes from serving in the fight for freedom. Placing in the top of their division was just an added bonus.
“Where you finish in the race makes it nicer, if you're in the top five or 10, but really it's just good to run with a lot of other folks,” said Air Force Capt. Gordon Birdsall, Combined Joint Task Force 180, Air Component Coordination Element, who took second place in the Men's Master's Division. This was Birdsall's first 10 miler competition in more than 15 years.
Others supported Birdsall's thoughts saying that it wasn't really about placing, but more about the drive of competing with fellow troops and supporters.
It's great just to be out here with all of these people, said 1 st Lt. Laura McManus, Combined Joint Task Force 180, CJ-7, who finished first in the Women's Open Division. “(It's about) the feeling that you get with other runners; the feeling you get afterwards.”
Even after breaking through the finish line, participants caught their breath and offered their support to the others runners nearing the end point of the race.
“When you finish, it's nice to cheer on the other folks that are coming in right behind you,” said Birdsall.
The Bagram Army 10 Miler was open to all supporters of Operation Enduring Freedom and attracted more than 400 participants. The race was designed to keep the competitive spirit alive here in Bagram and offer troops a little time way from their missions, said Sgt. Maj. Sonny Mitchell, event coordinator, CJTF-180.
“We wanted to do something that they're doing in the United States that everybody can identify with,” he said.