CHICAGO, IL -- While Chicagoans and runners across the nation prepare for the 14th annual Chicago Half Marathon, four United States soldiers from Chicagoland serving in Afghanistan are training for their own satellite race overseas. On September 10, two days prior to when 20,000 runners will hit the streets of Chicago, Jack Wilbanks (Chicago), Kevin Yandura (Joliet), Rob Leese (North Chicago) and Jeff Poisson (Glen Ellyn) among other U.S. soldiers will be completing the race. The difference is their route will not be along Lake Shore Drive, but rather a much smaller track almost 7,000 miles away from their fellow competitors in Chicago.
"We have a small contingent of US forces, mainly Air Force that are deployed to Kabul International Airport as mentors for one year," says Team Lead Afghanistan National Air Force Wing G1 Mentor, David Burnett. "We are trying to keep our troops motivated and in shape while here and since our facilities and equipment are minimal, many have taken up running. Running the Chicago Half Marathon 5K is a great way for our military members to feel a little more like they are closer to home. Also, an important part of running the race is to honor the men and women who are serving our great country and sacrificing so much to fight the war on terror and to ensure we have freedom for many more years to come."
These four brave American soldiers along with many other soldiers that serve with the United States Air Force, have found training for the 2010 Chicago Half Marathon to be an outlet from their daily missions in Afghanistan.
Good luck to David Burnett and his team in Afghanistan on September 10, along with all the runners of the Chicago Half Marathon! Registration for the race is still open at www.Chicagohalfmarathon.com.
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