FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Deployed Ohio Soldiers to Run the Akron Marathon in Kuwait
Akron, OH (September 12, 2013) – On September 28, while thousands of
runners and spectators fill the streets along the blue line in Akron for
the Akron Marathon, about 300 soldiers deployed 6,600 miles away in Kuwait
will also be lining up to take part in the race. This shadow run at the
U.S. Army's Camp Arifjan will host soldiers from the Ohio Army National
Guard's 371st Sustainment Brigade.
"The Akron Marathon shadow run is a morale booster for many soldiers," said
First Lieutenant Kevin McGee, deployed Akron resident and shadow run race
organizer who has run the Akron Marathon several times. "It also helps
them maintain important connections with the community back home."
This is the second time that the Akron Marathon has sponsored a shadow run
for deployed soldiers, and race organizers have provided most of the perks
that Akron-based runners will receive including finisher medals, finisher
certificates and special shadow run tech t-shirts. The Akron Marathon
shadow run at Arifjan includes the 26.2 mile full marathon, 13.1 mile half
marathon and team relay distances.
The shadow run will begin at 5:30 p.m. Kuwait time which will be 10:30 a.m.
in Akron. At the start, temperatures are expected to be around 110
degrees. The sun will set shortly after the race begins, allowing for
cooler temperatures for the desert marathoners. Runners are expected to
finish between 9:30 p.m. and midnight.
"It's wonderful to know that deployed soldiers will be able to run this
race with us," said Anne Bitong, Akron Marathon executive director. "And
because of the technology that's available to us through Canal Park
Stadium, the shadow run won't seem that distant."
By working with Canal Park Stadium, home of the Akron Marathon finish line,
and the 371st Sustainment Brigade public affairs team, race organizers have
plans to post pictures and video of the shadow run on the scoreboard during
the race.
"The Akron Marathon's sponsorship of this race has really lifted the
spirits of our brigade," McGee said. "Running builds resilience and having
a piece of our home delivered to us here in Kuwait adds to our soldiers'
optimism and connection."
Sponsors for the shadow run include the Akron Marathon, Brooks, Hitchcock
Fleming & Associates (hfa), Maxwell Medals, The Goodyear Tire & Rubber
Company and Power Media.
About the Akron Marathon
The Akron Marathon includes four events: the full marathon, the half
marathon, the five-person team relay and the kids fun run. The 11th annual
Akron Marathon, presented by Time Warner Cable, will be held September 28,
2013. Registration is available at akronmarathon.org.
The Akron Marathon is organized by the Akron Marathon Charitable
Corporation, a nonprofit group that is dedicated to promoting health and
fitness. Additional information on the Akron Marathon, Half Marathon and
Team Relay is available at www.akronmarathon.org or by calling
(330) 434-2RUN (2786).
About the 371st Sustainment Brigade
371st Sustainment Brigade, headquartered in Springfield, Ohio, is an Ohio
Army National Guard unit that was activated to Federal service for a
year-long deployment to Camp Arifjan Kuwait beginning April 19, 2013. The
unit's deployment to the Persian Gulf is in support of Operation Enduring
Freedom. As part of their mission in Kuwait, the unit commands a brigade
of joint force combat service support; manages the flow of logistics; and
provides logistic support for the supplies like fuel, ammunition, medical
supplies and repair parts of wheeled vehicles throughout the region.
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