Combat Zone Marathons

Not your average marathon. In the March issue of Runner’s World, I discovered a story about U.S. soldiers running marathons in both Afghanistan and Iraq. The logistics of running a regular marathon is complex enough but when you add the possibility of an attack, the precautions change.

Captain Ivan Hulburt, a battalion signal officer of the Hawai'i-based 25th Infantry Division staged the “Honolulu” Marathon in Afghanistan on December 12 with 188 participants. According to the Honolulu Advertiser, his plans to assure the safety of participants included extra security measures along the race course with quick reaction forces; holes dug along the course so runners can flee if attacked and the option to run with their weapons.

Photo courtesy of Sgt. Dino J. Santiago

The Honolulu Marathon Association provided official running numbers, finisher shirts and certificates. ChampionChipUSA sent timing mats and chips to track official finish times. Family and friends were able to see how their loved ones fared in the race. Lt. Mike Baskin of Santiago, California won the race with a winning time of 3 hrs. and 12 minutes.

The honor of the first combat zone foot race belongs to Captain Henry Domeracki and 34 other runners who ran the first “Baghdad International Freedom Marathon” on August 20. A bigger marathon with 150 participants was planned but was officially cancelled due to increased fire. Wonder Musademba, a civilian contracting officer won the race in 3 hrs. 12 minutes. On November 28 & 29, Specialist Emiliano Perez won the Baghdad Marathon and Half Marathon with a 3:09 time. There were two explosions during the race.