Third Annual Army Marathon Celebrates U.S. Armed Forces and Others Who Serve
Central Texas Race Will Honor 50th Anniversary of Vietnam War
KILLEEN, Texas, Jan. 20, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- The Army Marathon has announced its third annual marathon, half-marathon, and 5K races which will take place on March 1 in Bell County, Texas. The races will celebrate the armed forces and others who serve, including police, firefighters and other first responders. This year's marathon also commemorates the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam War, as well as the Texans who served in it. Approximately 500,000 Texans served in Vietnam, according to the Texas Capitol Veterans Monument Coalition.
"The Army Marathon was created to honor military veterans and their families and to raise awareness of our nation's heroes," Ed Bandas, president of The Army Marathon, said. "This year, we especially remember those who served in the Vietnam War. We thank and honor our veterans for their service and sacrifice on behalf of the United States, and we also thank their families."
The marathon, produced in partnership with Baylor Scott & White Health and Central Texas College as well as other generous sponsors, has drawn over 2,000 runners. The course begins in Killeen—near Fort Hood, the largest active duty armored post in the United States military—and ends in the nearby city of Temple, following a 26.2-mile course through Central Texas. Runners have come from almost every state and several different countries to run in this annual event.
The half-marathon and 5K race will start and finish in Temple.
Bandas noted, "Our goal is to be the largest marathon in the country that directly honors the service and sacrifice of our country's armed forces."
Honorees will include veterans who fought in direct combat, were held as prisoners of war or listed as missing in action. The year 2015 marks the 50th anniversary of the official involvement of the United States in direct combat missions even though U.S. troops were involved many years before 1965. It also commemorates the 40th anniversary of the end of the Vietnam War for the United States.
Spectators are welcome to cheer on runners at designated areas along the course as well as at the finish line in Temple. The Army Marathon will host an "after party" at the finish line with an awards presentation, live music from the 60s and 70s, and local vendors.
Runners who would like to register for the marathon, half-marathon or 5K can visit www.TheArmyMarathon.com. Participants must be at least 13 years of age to run in the 5K, 16 to run in the half-marathon, and 18 to run in the full marathon. Registration for each race is open until February 28.
About The Army Marathon:
The Army Marathon is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization whose mission is to benefit our active duty and veteran service men and women and their families. The Army Marathon is not associated with the United States Army, and sponsorship of this event does not signify any endorsement by the Army, the Department of Defense, or the government of United States of America. More information about The Army Marathon can be found at www.TheArmyMarathon.com.
Contact: Kat Harris or Hannah White, (512) 472-9599
[email protected] or [email protected]
SOURCE The Army Marathon
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