FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Portland Marathon and Troops Prepare For Iraq Half Marathons
PORTLAND, Ore. — 21 Sept. 2009 — This September, the Portland Marathon will
host three inaugural half-marathon events to support Oregon and
Washington-based troops stationed in Iraq. Over eight hundred troops will
participate as runners and volunteers.
These 13.1-mile events will be held in Iraq and at the following military
bases:
- Victory Base Camp in Baghdad, 9/27/09. U.S. home base is Ft. Lewis,
Washington.
- Warrior Unit, Iraq/Iran border, 9/27/09. U.S. home base is Ft. Riley,
Kansas.
- Camp COBB/Adder at Tallil Airbase, Southern Iraq, 10/3/09. U.S. home base
is ONG Salem, Oregon.
These events were created by the Oregon National Guard Brigade and the
Portland Marathon. The Portland Marathon cares about the health and
well-being of troops whether they are at home or abroad. The half marathons
are positive ways family members and loved ones in Oregon and Washington
can stay connected to their troops in Iraq, as well as ways for troops to
stay connected to an annual event happening in their hometown.
The Portland Marathon event director, Les Smith, has a service background
and is passionate about supporting and thanking troops. He fused this, with
his love for running to create the Iraq half marathons.
"The Portland Marathon is proud to help and assist those in Iraq who are
now serving, and also do so for all of those who have served," said Smith.
Friends and family members of participating troops plan to run, walk, and
volunteer at the Portland Marathon events on October 4th to honor those in
Iraq. Their donations, and funds donated by the Portland Marathon, will go
to the Wound Warrior Project, one of the event's official charities.
(http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org)
For the half marathons, the Portland Marathon will provide finisher and
volunteer shirts, medals, pins, and bibs. The organization also donated the
time and costs associated with producing these events. There is no charge
for these events to Army, Marines, Air Force, DOD Civilians, and
Contractors.
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