FORT CARSON, Colo. – As the sun began to set over Pikes Peak Aug. 21, 2026, approximately 70 Soldiers from across the 4th Infantry Division gathered at the 4th Battalion, 9th Infantry Regiment, motor pool to kick off what would be a true test of grit, endurance and mental fortitude.
Over the next 12 hours, participants would embark on a hilly 4.1-mile out-and-back trail run through the motor pool and into the training area. The catch? Participants had exactly 60 minutes to complete the route before turning around and doing it again. And again, until runners chose to tap out or complete the 12-hour/49-mile challenge.
Coined “The Story Challenge,” the 12-hour event honors the service and sacrifice of 9th Inf. Reg. Soldier and Medal of Honor recipient Pfc. Luther H. Story. Story posthumously received the Medal of Honor for his conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity above and beyond the call of duty in action during the Battle of Yongsan Sept. 1, 1950, in which he injured or killed over 100 enemy Soldiers during a brazen attack on the 9th Inf. Reg. Story is credited with holding the line, despite being gravely injured, allowing members of his company to escape the attack.
“We wanted to honor a 9th Infantry Regiment Soldier whose actions embodied the Manchu’s fighting spirit,” said Lt. Col. Nathaniel Carter, commander of the 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., 1st Stryker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division. “In our opening comments before the first lap, we read Story’s Medal of Honor citation and held a moment of silence. It was really powerful.”
For the Manchu Soldiers of the 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., tests of the mind, body and spirit aren’t just common occurrences in an otherwise busy operations tempo – they’re a way of life.
From packed rotations to the Republic of Korea, to the grueling “Manchu Mile,” a 25-mile ruck march honoring the 9th Inf. Reg. Soldiers who were forced to walk 85 miles from Taku Bar to Tientsin during the Boxer Rebellion in 1900, Manchus know a thing or two about digging deep.
During 1SBCT’s deployment to Korea in 2025, Carter was approached by members of his forward support company with a challenge: an every-hour-on-the-hour backyard ultra challenge consisting of a 4.1-mile loop, totaling the unit’s abbreviated name. Held on the 75th anniversary of Battle of Yongsan, the 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., held its first Story Challenge. Of the 80 who started, 13 Soldiers completed the full 49 miles.
Despite few finishers, Carter called the first Story Challenge a success and vowed to continue honoring Story’s legacy with the running challenge. A year later, 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., opened participation to the entire division, with Soldiers from multiple brigades in attendance. At 7:30 p.m. Friday, 70 Soldiers from across the formation stepped off for what would be their first of many miles.
“Tonight’s challenge is more than just a run,” Carter shared with participants before beginning the first lap. “It is about grit, tenacity and the refusal to quit. It is also about honoring our regiment’s rich history and all the Manchus that came before us.”
By the end of the second lap, the sun had completely set. Headlamps and chem lights illuminated the rocky and winding route to and from the motor pool.
“Early on, people were chatting along the whole course,” said Capt. Taryn Sembrano, 1st Battalion, 41st Infantry Regiment, 2nd Styker Brigade Combat Team, 4th Inf. Div. “After a few laps, most participants had put in headphones and we’re just trying to make it through another lap.”
Soon after, exhaustion kicked in.
“Around lap four was when people started to drop,” said Carter. If participants had had enough or if they didn’t return to the motor pool in time to start the next lap, participants would turn in their bib, symbolizing their run was over. By hour eight, 10 participants remained. Despite music at various aid stations along the course, what started as a bustling group of runners had dwindled to a few solitary participants.
After 12 hours and 49 miles, eight of the 70 participants crossed the finish line for the final time — including Sembrano and Carter.
“It was a great feeling, and everything hurt, but I couldn’t just leave with only 49 miles,” said Sembrano. With that, the only woman to finish the 2026 Story Challenge added an extra loop around the motor pool to bring her total mileage to 50. Because why not?
With the second annual Story Challenge in the rearview mirror, Carter has already set his sights on 2027.
“We’re hoping for an even greater turnout next year,” said Carter. “Even if they’re just here to run a few laps, they’re helping to keep Pfc. Story’s legacy alive.”
Carter and the 4th Bn., 9th Inf. Reg., plan to hold the third annual Story Challenge at the end of August 2027, in line with the 77th anniversary of Story’s passing.