FORT EUSTIS, Va. –
More than 40 years of combined running experience and dedication gave the Fort Eustis Ten-Mile team a leg-up on the competition, when they took home the win at the U.S. Army Ten-Miler (ATM) race in Washington, D.C. Oct. 21.
Civilians and Soldiers from around the world competed in the 29th annual ATM, the third-largest race in the world and a top running event for the U.S. Army.
This year, more than 700 teams and 35,000 people attended the event, including the Fort Eustis team.
The team competed in the 2012 ATM, and coming together again allowed them to reach farther, said U.S. Army 1st Lt. Bryce Livingston, Fort Eustis Ten-Mile team captain. They were determined to go for the gold, and that's exactly what they did.
Training and countless weekends of preparation for the ATM paid off. Led by Livingston, the team took first place in the Active Duty Mixed Division category with a time of 52:15.
"It felt incredible to bring home the first place trophy," said Livingston. "It was the team's primary goal and we executed it."
Training, hard work and dedication is how the Soldiers sharpened their running skills to achieve thier goal, said Livingston. While they were thrilled with their placement in last year's competition, it only motivated them achieve more.
"Last year we came in third place in the Active Duty Mixed Division," said Livingston. "If we could place third, we knew we had what it takes to come in first this time."
For members of the Fort Eustis team, training for the race meant more than the competition. It was a lifestyle change that improved their overall health.
"I started taking running more seriously about three years ago," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class Danny Weatherly, Fort Eustis Ten-Mile team member. "I maxed out my [physical training] test for the first time in a 20-year career because of running with this team."
Marathons, distance running and an Ironman Triathlon were all part of the Fort Eustis team's preparation for the ATM, allowing the group to run more than 60 miles combined each week, in addition to their unit PT.
"Being a part of a team forms an unsaid bond," said Livingston. "That team aspect is what united us and gave us the ability to reach our goal."
According to Livingston, the bond they made preparing together and the team's mutual love of running carried them to the top, ultimately achieving their goal of "going for the gold."