WASHINGTON D.C. –
Running team VIVA FEVA from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, competed in the 38th annual Army Ten-Miler Race and Expo in Washington D.C., October 9, 2022.
The race is the third largest ten-mile event in the U.S. and attracts over 35,000 runners and 900 teams globally. Out of 28 mixed-gender teams, VIVA FEVA took 10th place with a collective time of 5:09:23.
The diverse group was comprised of one female and six male Soldiers, representing all five installation brigades. Members included 1st Lt. Jonna Reinhardt, 567th Inland Cargo Transfer Company commander, Sgt. 1st Class Alex Thompson, Center for Initial Military Training inspector general, Sgt. 1st Class Miguel Rowe, Alpha Company, 2nd Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment combative master trainer, Sgt. 1st Class Hezekiah Jenkins and Staff Sgt. Oscar Portillo, both Charlie Company, 1st Battalion, 210th Aviation Regiment advanced initial training instructors, Sgt. James Tetreau, 689th Rapid Port Opening Element movement supervisor and Spc. Jissel Utria, 689th Rapid Port Opening Element cargo specialist.
“Beginning as a full team of eight, one of our female competitors had to withdraw from the race due to a recent training injury,” said Sgt. Maj. Jeremiah Richards, Army Support Activity sergeant major. “In order to qualify, our youngest warrior athlete and remaining female, Spc. Jissel Utria finished strong for the team to place in the top 10 for their division.”
While most running teams from larger installations have six months to a year to train dedicated all male, all female or mixed teams, the runners of VIVA FEVA formed only two months before the race. “Coming from a smaller installation, it’s typical to have a one mixed team,” said Reinhart.
“We didn’t get the chance to stress about dieticians, regiments and workouts,” said Thompson. “That pressure wasn’t there so we were there to run and have fun.”
“You can tell by our results that we love running and these are results that we got on our own,” said Portillo. “We came together as a team and that was the key.”
Four of the members who participated in previous years met or exceeded their personal records.
VIVA FEVA looks forward to expanding their team, generate more funding through family morale, welfare and recreation programs, and representing JBLE in future races.