Maj. Lauren Edwards (left) and 1st Lt. Erin Demchko stretch prior to a workout Sept. 26 aboard Camp Leatherneck, Helmand province, Afghanistan. The two All-Marine Running Team members kept each other motivated while training for the 2009 Marine Corps Marathon. (Gunnery Sgt. Kimberly Leone / Marine Corps)
If you think the Marine Corps Marathon is tough, try kicking up clouds of sand as you run 3,000 feet above sea level.
That’s exactly what Maj. Lauren Edwards, who is assigned to Combat Logistics Regiment 2 at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, and her fellow All-Marine Running Teammate, 1st Lt. Erin Demchko, have been training to do.
After months of grueling training, Demchko returned to the U.S. last month, but Edwards remained behind working with Brigade headquarters Group, 5th Battalion, 10th Marines to receive approval for a satellite Marine Corps Marathon at Camp Leatherneck.
Looks like her wish was granted. From a Marine Corps release:
I was skeptical about how it would be received due to our very high op tempo at the time, but the [commanding general]was extremely enthusiastic about the idea. Not only did he give me the green light, but he also encouraged me to make the event as big as possible.
The 26.2 mile race will wind around Camp Leatherneck, Camp Bastion and the flight line in Helmand province.
Edwards is working with organizers of the official Marine Corps Marathon to ensure the satellite race is recognized and participants’ scores are recorded.
