U.S., British, French soldiers participate in commemorative Bir Hakeim 10K mud race in Estonia

Photo By Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer | Soldiers from the French armed forces carry sandbags as part of an obstacle during the Day of Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. Hosted by the French Foreign Legion, the obstacle-filled mud race commemorated the Battle of Bir Hakeim, where Free French forces, including Foreign Legion units, conducted a heroic defense against Axis forces in 1942, demonstrating resilience and contributing to the legacy of the Free French movement during World War II. V Corps is the U.S. Army's only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans. (U.S. Army photo by Staff Sgt. Olivia Lauer, 196th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment)  

ESTONIA

06.10.2026

Story by Sgt. Katherine Zimpfer 

U.S. Army V Corps

TAPA, Estonia – Soldiers from the U.S., Great Britain and France participated in a commemorative Bir Hakeim 10K mud race at Tapa Army Base, Estonia, June 10, 2026. The event honored the legacy of the Free French defenders at the Battle of Bir Hakeim, a key engagement in the North African campaign of World War II that showcased the determination of Free French forces against a larger enemy force.

The race served as an opportunity for service members from allied nations to honor shared military history while strengthening bonds across the NATO alliance. Participants were required to overcome a series of physical challenges, including waist-deep mud and high obstacles. The race tested their endurance, determination and resilience to honor the defenders at Bir Hakeim.

“I’d say the race was about remembering the physical hardships French service members went through,” said U.S. Army Pfc. Gage Leavitt, a race participant and military police officer assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company. “Back then, they dealt with a lot worse conditions than just mud and going over obstacles. Running the race helped put into perspective the hard work and sacrifices made by those who served before us.”

Hosted by the French Foreign Legion, the event brought together soldiers from multiple NATO nations to challenge themselves side-by-side while commemorating the battle's historical significance. Throughout the course, participants relied on teamwork to navigate difficult obstacles, often helping and encouraging one another while running.

For Leavitt, the event highlighted the importance of cooperation among allied forces and reflected the relationships that support NATO's collective defense mission.

“We're all soldiers, and if hard times come, it's the people to our left and right that we're going to rely on,” Leavitt said. “Events like this help build those relationships and remind us that we have to support each other and work together.”

V Corps is the U.S. Army's only forward-deployed corps, serving as the senior tactical headquarters for Army forces in Eastern Europe to deter conflict and provide combat-ready forces alongside our NATO Allies. V Corps is operationalizing and expanding the Eastern Flank Deterrence Initiative with Allies, rapidly integrating emerging technologies into training and tactical plans.

• Date Taken: 06.10.2026
• Date Posted: 06.17.2026 10:26
• Story ID: 567876
• Location: EE