Thousands run Peachtree in Kuwait

Photo By Sgt. Wesley Landrum | Runners move down a stretch of road at the 10 kilometer Peachtree Road Race at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, July 4. The run was part of the larger annual race held in Atlanta, Ga. More than 1,100 runners participated in the race here.  

CAMP ARIFJAN, KUWAIT

07.04.2008

Story by Spc. Wesley Landrum 

U.S. Army Central   

By Spec. Wes Landrum
U.S. Army Central Public Affairs Office

CAMP ARIFJAN, Kuwait -- The sun was just barely rising over a dusty horizon when the horn sounded. Service members and civilians with U.S. Army Central took off from the start line, some at a faster pace than others. The Peachtree Road Race had started in Kuwait.

While more than 55,000 will run through the skyscraper-lined streets in Atlanta, Ga., during the 39th annual 10 kilometer Peachtree Road Race, more than 1,100 people gathered at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait, to start their 4th of July festivities on the right foot. More than 3,000 participants ran the race in Iraq and Afghanistan.

"The Peachtree Road Race is a big deal ... it's the largest 10k race in the world ... and it takes place at our home base in Atlanta," said Lt. Gen. Jim Lovelace, USARCENT commanding general. "Not only is it a great physical challenge, it's a way for our Soldiers and civilians to connect with thousands of others back home."

The Peachtree Road Race began in 1970. The idea for the race was born a year earlier as members of the Atlanta Tack Club traveled to Fort Benning, Ga. for their annual Independence Day run. While on the way home, a suggestion was made that Atlanta should have their own race. Approximately 110 people ran on July 4, 1970.

For the elite runners, the race is a chance at prize money and one of the most prestigious titles on the international circuit. For the "weekend warriors" at the middle—or farther back—in the pack, it's a day to have fun running with friends and family, maybe achieve a personal best time, and earn their own prize: a Peachtree run T-shirt.

Runners on Arifjan may not be traveling from Lennox Square to Charles Allen Drive but that does not mean their run is not important. Lovelace said being able to run in the race is a big morale boost to those who compete and it's a challenge that the service members and civilians of USARCENT love to tackle.

"To run a 10K in 88-degree temperatures at 5 a.m. is no easy task,' he said. "These runners will complete the course, earn the coveted shirt and have bragging rights for all they have accomplished."

Sgt. Christopher McDermott, 1108th Aviation Classification Repair Activity Depot, took first place for the men. He finished with a time of 35 minutes and 51 seconds. Eric Szabo, Naval Expeditionary Logistics Support Group, finished second. The Anaheim, Calif., native crossed the finish line third overall and second for the men at 40 minutes and 51 seconds.

"I was just glad to come out here and run a clean, smart race. It's an honor to come out here and say 'I'm the fastest runner out here,'" McDermott, a native of Glindale Heights, Ill., native said. "There were 1,100 people running today. For me to be the best is a feather in my cap."

Australian Army private Vicki O'Rourke, a native of Darwin, Australia, placed second overall and first for the women with a time of 38 minutes and 48 seconds. Yvette Richard, 2nd Transportation Company, finished second in the women's category with a time of 42 minutes and 46 seconds.

"I was just trying to prove myself as a good athlete," O'Rourke said. "I thought 'It was a race. Why not go win it?'"

• Date Taken: 07.04.2008
• Date Posted: 07.04.2008 07:45
• Story ID: 21175
• Location: CAMP ARIFJAN, KW