Afghanistan service members to ‘run’ Smith Rock race

The Smith Rock Sunrise Summer Classic Half Marathon is pleased to announce that twenty one or more Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coast Guardsmen are running the event from their military base located near Kabul in Afghanistan.

The group is preparing and training for their participation in the upcoming U.S. Air Force Marathon scheduled for Saturday, September 15.

The Smith Rock Race Group, organizers of the Half Marathon were contacted by SSGT Mark Peterson USA, of the Morale, Welfare and Recreation Department in late May about participating in our event, stated Brian M Douglass, President and Founder of the Smith Rock Race Group LLC.

“Virtual participation like this from troops stationed overseas is not unusual in the running community but may be a first for Central Oregon running and walking events,” stated Douglass.

The start of the Half Marathon in Afghanistan coincides with the 6:15 AM Sunrise start in Smith Rock State Park on Saturday, July 7th. Finishing results from Afghanistan will be included with the final results stateside.

The local race expects about 700 participants this year.