Marine Corps News Room

http://our.marines.com/cms_content/show/type/blog/id/114

Friday November 2, 2007

At the 32nd Marine Corps Marathon, the starter gun is a Howitzer. There's a fly-over by two MV-22 Ospreys, and all water stations are manned by young men and women dressed in identical camouflage uniforms. That's when you know this race will be run the Marines way, from start to finish.

The marathon, held Sunday in Washington, D.C., is often called "The People’s Marathon," and people turned out en masse to support the runners. Tens of thousands of people lined the route that wound through the landmarks of our nation’s capital. They urged runners on with signs, cowbells and boom boxes, not to mention continuous clapping and shouts of encouragement.

Just as enthusiastic were the thousands of Marines and volunteers that started their day early – some as early as 3 am – to provide support and aid for marathon runners.

More than 22,000 runners woke up early to get to the start line, knowing that when the Marine Corps says their race will start at zero-eight, they mean zero-eight. Runners came not only from all over the country, but from all over the world. The winner, Tamrat Ayalew, is originally from Ethopia. Members of the world’s armed forces turned out as well, including runners from Mexico, Canada, the United Kingdom and Spain.

And right on time the Howitzer fired an unmistakable order: Run! At that moment, with the Marines lining the sidewalk giving directions, keeping order, giving aid or barking out times, it became very clear why this marathon has such a stellar reputation for civilians and service members alike.

Rarely does a marathon have the benefit of so many dedicated hosts: One water station alone was manned by 56 Marines, working with military precision to distribute water and energy drinks to thirsty runners.

Runners, despite their exhaustion, went out of their way to say "Thank you, Marines." Typically the comment was met with a friendly "ooo rah." Marines urged on fellow Marines running with even more energy, occasionally shouting encouragement at their fellow Devil Dogs.

Near the starting line Major General Richard T. Tryon took time to reflect on the energy of all the Marines. The marathon is a great "opportunity for us to connect with the rest of America," he said.

For Judy Pitchford, a former Marine and current president of the North Carolina branch of the USO, watching the marathon brought back fond memories of her service in the Corps.

"It all revolves around being a Marine – doing something you've never done before," she said. "That's what the Marine Corps is so great about doing: pushing you to your limits and beyond. And so this was one more thing the Marine Corps taught me I could do."

No doubt many non-Marines learned that lesson Sunday, as they ended a 26.2 mile journey by crossing a finish line they weren't sure they could reach, bolstered by the support and encouragement of the Marine Corps.

Preparing for the race is critical. The night before, former Marine Neil Schalk and Lance Corporal Joe Lopez loaded up on carbohydrates during a celebratory pasta dinner. Neil and Joe met earlier this year, when they bonded over their time spent recuperating at Bethesda Naval Hospital for injuries suffered in the line of duty. Neil lost part of his right hand; Joe is battling back from paralysis.

Neil, having run four previous marathons, convinced Joe to participate in his first marathon – using a hand-crank wheelchair. Although they live in separate states, the two coached and encouraged each other during the long months of training.

"It's motivating to have captains and majors go, ‘Here you go, Devil Dog. Here's some water. Shake those legs out and keep going,'" Neil said. The motivation worked well for Joe. He sailed through the course.

Just past that same finish line, still in his wheelchair, a tired-but-grinning Joe was asked if today was a good day to be a Marine. Immediately he answered: "Every day is a good day to be a Marine."