CAMP PHOENIX, Afghanistan – Just over 300 coalition forces and civilians stationed at Camp Phoenix, Afghanistan, participated in the OneAmerica 500 Festival Remote Mini-Marathon, May 8.
This remote race is designed to bring the race to those deployed overseas around the world. Of the participants, 110 runners completed the 13.1 mile run and the remainder participated in the five-kilometer run.
The course was laid out in laps within the boundary of the military base and was a mixture of cross-country and street running. The remote race conditions were unlike the version held in Indianapolis, with gravel covering a large percentage of the course and the base sitting at around 6,000 ft. above sea level.
The 38th Infantry Division Headquarters Company, Indiana Army National Guard, planned and coordinated all support for this event. This included the promotion and registration at Camp Phoenix, the receipt and issue of all mini-marathon supplies shipped from Indiana, and the coordination with various supporting units, including the camp garrison command and medical and traffic support.
The 38th Infantry Division Headquarters Company commander, Indiana Army National Guard, Capt. Kevin Stephenson, Fortville, Ind., said he was thanked by many participants who were grateful for the opportunity to partake in the run, even if they were not from Indiana.
"Not only does the remote mini-marathon and 5K provide an opportunity for our Indiana Soldiers to still participate in the runs, but it also promotes cohesion and friendly competition amongst different units and nationalities," said Stephenson. "Additionally, this event affords an opportunity to promote the great state of Indiana, and I was approached by several Soldiers and civilians from other states who were very appreciative of this run."
A participant from San Diego, Calif., U.S. Navy Lt. Commander William J. Carey, Regional Support Team Capitol deputy commander, said he enjoyed running the course.
"Running is very important to me. I run a lot of half marathons in the United States, so having something like this during my deployment in Afghanistan, when I wasn't expecting an event like this at all, is a very good experience."
An Indianapolis Soldier, Sgt. Zachary McMillion, A Company, 2nd Battalion, 151st Infantry Regiment, 219th Battlefield Surveillance Brigade, Indiana Army National Guard, said his experience was positive.
"It was a great experience," said McMillion. "I'm glad they did it. It's good morale out here to do this and to get people out. It kind of takes you back home a little bit and gets you out of the whole Afghanistan experience, so it was nice."
Stephenson considered the whole operation an accomplishment and thanked the volunteers and 500 Festival staff for their support.
"Our volunteer staff of over 30 personnel ensured that the event was a success, and we could not have asked for a better day of weather in Afghanistan," said Stephenson. "We would like to sincerely thank the 500 Festival and its sponsors for supporting these remote races in Afghanistan for the Indiana Army National Guard."