Father’s Day Run 2011, After the run

Now that this years Fathers Day Run is complete, here are some messages received from the event organizer in Iraq:

“Things went well. We had more runners than T-shirts or bibs. We had over 150 runners. I’ll send photo’s and some video shortly. I’ve been asked how we are doing for donations. Can we track that? And if your a father, belated Happy Fathers day.”

“This has been a new and exciting experiance for me. Usually I’m the one sweating and breathing hard and someone else does all the planning and prep. Definitly a different view from this side. It’s been an honor working with you.”

“I was hoping that we would be able to raise more money for you, but I think alot of the young soldiers were more interested in the T-shirt and the run then raising money.”

We are more than blessed by helping set up this run for the soldiers and marines in Iraq. It isn’t everyday that you get a chance to do something for those who are giving all for the safety of others. As for donations, there was over one thousand dollars donated through this run. I hope to be able to get in touch with the men and women who ran, and a big thank you to those who donated their time and money!

Also, I met a youth group leader at Cornerstone Festival who said she had heard of this years run through her father who is in the Army. It would be an honor to continue to offer events to deployed men and women.

Finally, thanks Maj. Tessman for letting us be a part of the Fathers Day Run.

Stay safe.

Some selfless volunteers getting up at 3:00am to help prep for the race.

Coffee and coordination must haves on race day at 4am

T-Shirt pick up and safety brief. 4:45am

As one of thr volunteers put i, "it's like herdin cats"

This is group two and it was right about here that my voice broke into a thousand pieces. Fortunately I had a Soldier with a big voice that help me with giving prep commands at the start.

Any other place and seeing a spectator with a semi automatic weapon would make you nervous. We question if a spectators not carring a weapon, strange.

Last group heading off. we ran out of race T-shirts so a few teams ended up running in their PT gear.

I'd like t thank the 86th CSH (combat support hospital) for providing medical coverage for the race. We didnt have a single sprain on heat injury during the entire race.

Trophies provided by Gold Medal Awards of Cadillac Michigan. Thanks again Arvid!

Check the photos out on facebook too!

40kfathersdayiraq2011, Featured Article, Strive