Deployed Soliders Running Akron Marathon In Kuwait

Three hundred members are taking part in the “shadow run.”

Running USA has posted an interesting piece about the forthcoming Akron Marathon on Sept. 28. Apparently, while thousands of runners tackle the 26.2 miles in Ohio, approximately 300 runners, soldiers stationed in Kuwait, will also be taking part in the race.

This “shadow run” will take place at the U.S. Army’s Camp Arifjan with the solider-runners who belong to the Ohio Army National Guard’s 371st Sustainment Brigade.

“The Akron Marathon shadow run is a morale booster for many soldiers,” said First Lieutenant Kevin McGee, who is the shadow run’s race organizer. “It also helps them maintain important connections with the community back home.” McGee has run the Akron Marathon several times.

The shadow run kicks off at 5:30 p.m., which is 10:30 a.m. in Ohio. Temperatures are expected to be brutal in Kuwait (110 degrees), however they should decline once the sun sets shortly after the race’s start.

“It’s wonderful to know that deployed soldiers will be able to run this race with us,” said Anne Bitong, the Akron Marathon’s executive director. “And because of the technology that’s available to us through Canal Park Stadium, the shadow run won’t seem that distant.”