CAMP BONDSTEEL, Kosovo - With temperatures hovering around freezing, the sun just starting to rise and their breath hanging in the air, more than 130 runners prepared for the start of the U.S. Army 10-miler shadow run hosted by Multinational Battle Group-East at Camp Bondsteel, Oct. 5.
"It started early, a little cold, a little dark, but it was a good race," said Cincinnati native, U.S. Army 1st Lt. Craig Behler, the Liaison Officer for the Forward Command Post. "The first three miles were a little rough, but it wasn't too bad at the end."
Behler was the first to cross the finish line with a time of one hour and eight minutes.
"It felt great, especially coming in first," Behler said. "I've been training a little bit harder then I usually do because I am going to run the marathon down in Athens."
Behler led the runners from the start.
"Well I didn't know the French LNO was right behind me until the last lap, so once he came up behind me I tried to run a little faster," Behler said.
French contingent Capt. Allorant Hugh, the French Liaison Officer, finished second.
"Lt. Craig Behler motivated me to take [on] the 10-miler," Allorant said. "I found there was, despite the cold, lots of people cheering us on. It was really a good atmosphere."
U.S. Army Master Sgt. Brenda Martinez, MNBG-E legal noncommissioned officer in charge and a native of San Juan, Texas, spearheaded the run.
"Despite the cold and a long 10-miles, I think we were able to come together as one team and I think everybody had a great time," Martinez said. "I am very glad I got the opportunity to bring [the Army 10-miler] over here because I know people enjoyed themselves."
The Army 10-miler provided soldiers the opportunity to accomplish a personal goal, honor other soldiers and boost morale amongst each other.
"I think it just helps us build cohesion between all of the multinationals that are here and amongst our own soldiers as well," Martinez said.
Social Sharing