King, the only female on the team, is also an avid runner. “I’ve raced my whole life since running track and cross-country in high school,” she said. “I enjoy running. It’s a good stress reliever.” The 37 year-old drill sergeant competes in half-marathons “at every opportunity,” usually finishing first, second or third, she said.
This is the first competition ever for Odgers, who only began running when he joined the Army in 1996. “This was kind of like a homecoming for me,” he explained. Stationed at Fort Meyer in the D.C. area while on active duty, the Army Ten-Miler gave him the opportunity to come back for the first time since being reassigned in 2001.
“The race was amazing,” he said. “People were cheering the whole time. We started at the Pentagon and ran around Arlington, then across the bridge to the Lincoln Memorial, the Mall and over to the Washington Monument. I think I started off competing pretty good, so I plan to keep entering races, maybe some half marathons.”
The Army Ten-Miler is an annual Army tradition. In its 25th year, it is sponsored by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington and the Joint Force Headquarters-National Capitol Region to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support fitness goals and enhance community relations. It’s open to anyone, with all proceeds benefitting Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, a network of support and leisure services for Soldiers and their families.
Races are held in a variety of individual and team categories throughout the weekend, including the Wheelchair/Missing Parts in Action division, along with a host of other events that include music, entertainment, Youth runs and a traditional pasta dinner hosted by the Sergeants Major of the Army, Reserve and National Guard and commanding general of the Military District of Washington. The Secretary of the Army and the Army Chief of Staff open the race each year.
“We’ll be out there competing again this year,” Davis said.
All three say they hope to see more Reservists competing, saying the key to competing is practice. “If you’re serious about running,” Odger said, “dedicate yourself and practice just like you’re going into a war zone. Practice your warrior skills. Run on a regular basis. Do sprints and curls.”
The 2010 race will be held Oct. 24 with registration beginning in April. For more information about this year’s race, visit the website at www.armytenmiler.com.