Camp Taji Marathon

Photo By 1st Sgt. Sean Whelan | Under the arch of artillery cannons, Soldiers ready themselves along the starting line in the early morning hours to begin the 108th Field Artillery Memorial Day Marathon. The Los Angeles Marathon organizers sponsored the race providing banners, t-shirts and awards.  

BAGHDAD, IRAQ

05.28.2009

Story by Master Sgt. Sean Whelan 

56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 28th Infantry Division

BAGHDAD — Soldier with the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team, Multi-National Division-Baghdad tested their endurance in the 108th Field Artillery Memorial Day Marathon on Camp Taji.

Nearly 450 Soldiers took part in the event — the largest of its kind in Camp Taji history — which kicked off with opening ceremonies at 4:30 a.m. The race itself began at 5 a.m. in a planned effort to mitigate the mid-day temperatures, which average 110 degrees this time of year.

Organizers with the Los Angeles Marathon helped support the race with numbers, t-shirts and other items. "I think that many of the Soldiers were excited because we were shadowing the L.A. Marathon" said Lt. Jeremy Arnett, a member of the 108th Field Artillery and race organizer. "The turnout was greater than I expected."

Twelve Soldiers were recognized for their times in race.

Full Marathon top finishers:

1st Place Male: John Marotta, 508th Military Police Battalion, 3:26:24

1st Place Female: Ellen Burke, Co. C, 328th Support Battalion, 4:07:44

2nd Place Male: Gerald Luis, 2/104 Cavalry, 3:31:41

2nd Place Female: Karen Bender, Headquarters, 56th Brigade, 4:25:55

3rd Place Male: Carlos Carrion, Co. C, 1/108 Field Artillery, 3:42:00

3rd Place Female: Dan Nadon-Rzasa, Headquarters, 56th Brigade, 4:54:57

Half Marathon top finishers:

1st Place Male: Stephen Tekirian, HHC 56 BDE, 1:27:25

1st Place Female: Megan Day, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 1:50:00

2nd Place Male: Harland Yu, Co. A, 1/112 Infantry, 1:28:00

2nd Place Female: Deborah Daley, 10th Sustainment Brigade, 1:51:30

3rd Place Male: John Burton, Headquarters, 1/111 Infantry, (time was not taken)

3rd Place Female: Phoenicia Lewis, 556 Military Intelligence Company, 1:53:00

• Date Taken: 05.28.2009
• Date Posted: 05.28.2009 07:38
• Story ID: 34209
• Location: BAGHDAD, IQ