Camp Buehring Kuwait Marathon Camp Buehring, Kuwait   Mar 19, 2006

The history of the marathon dates back to Pheidippides, a wounded Greek Soldier who, according to legend, ran from the city-state of Marathon to Athens to announce that the Persians had been defeated in the Battle of Marathon. He died shortly after announcing the news. The idea of organizing the race came in 1896 as part of the first modern Olympics Games in Athens, Greece. The actual distance of a marathon was officially set in 1921 by the International Olympic Games Committee at 26.2 miles (42.195 km), the distance Pheidippides ran between Marathon and Athens.

Soldiers from the various camps around Kuwait gathered at Camp Buehring to participate in the legendary 26.2 mile marathon run at 0400, Sunday morning, March 19, 2006. Excitement was high in anticipation of the long distance around the camp since most of the participants had never run a marathon before. The run began at the Base Support Battalion Command Cell with a safety briefing from Violet Kelly of the Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) staff. She made sure everyone knew the route, where to find the water points, and that medical services were available. The route circled the camp four times, and ended near the main MWR stage. Lt. Col. Steve Schmid stationed at Camp Arifjan, won the race completing the 26.2 miles in only 2 hours and 43 minutes. “I’ve been running about 70 miles per week but it was still a difficult run. We had perfect weather, no winds – couldn’t ask for a better day,” he said at the completion.

There were 115 people that began the race with 80 people that completed the whole run. CWO 2 Richard Wills from Company B, 47th Forward Support Battalion finished in 3rd Place overall, 1st place in the 30 – 39 age group with 3 hours, 9 minutes. “I run a lot, but this run was still really tough,” CWO 2 Wills said. Spec. Rogelio Renteria of Company C, 40th Engineer Battalion finished the run in 3 hours, 25 minutes, 5th Place overall – 2nd in his 30-39 age group, “This is the first time I’ve run a marathon. My mind feels great from finishing it, but my body is in agonizing pain, I only run once per week,” Spec. Renteria said.

Around the 10 mile mark, the runners started to have looks of pure, unrestrained torture in their faces. The die-hard runners in the group soon realized that the only way out was to finish the race. They pushed through the difficulty, completing their first marathon. Long runs are a good test of mental and physical endurance which are a welcome challenge to those who believe they can finish anything they begin. Just as Pheidippides of ancient Greece, these warriors recognize the inseparable nature of stamina, physical fitness, and overall combat readiness. The run was considered a success with no injuries. It brought together a variety of Armed Forces members and military occupational specialties from all over Kuwait.