Thousands Hit Pavement for Army Ten-Miler (photos)

More than 35,000 runners, including several who participated in the recent Rio Olympics, braved strong winds over a course that began and ended at the Pentagon in Arlington, Virginia, for the Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, Oct. 9. The U.S. Army-sponsored event, the second largest 10-mile race in the United States after Philadelphia’s Broad Street Run, has been held annually since 1985 (with the exception of 2001). The race draws a large number of both military and civilian teams.

Augustus Maiyo, winner of the 2012 Marine Corps Marathon, edged out Robert Cheseret in 48:20, just a second off last year’s winning time. Olympian Shadrack Kipchirchir was third, two seconds back. The defending champion, Army Spec. Paul Chelimo, had to drop out at the five-mile mark with a muscle pull. It was less than six weeks after Chelimo became the first American since 1964 to win an Olympic Medal, a silver, in the 5,000 meters. All natives of Kenya, they are part of the U.S. Army’s World Class Athlete Program.

Stephanie Reich of Frederick, Maryland, won the women’s title in 56:21. Perry Shoemaker of Vienna, Virginia, was second for the second straight year in 58:15. Kelly Calway, who won the 2013 Marine Corps Marathon, was third in 58:56.

*View Jeff Malet’s photos from Independence Avenue SW in Washington, D.C., midway through the race, by clicking on the photo icons below.*