Photo: Alisa Harvey finished the 2003 Army Ten Miler with a winning time of 59:29.

This year's Army Ten-Miler (ATM) has the best depth of female talent in the event's 21-year history. This year's field includes regional favorites and previous winners: Alisa Harvey (First overall Female '98, '99, '03), Patricia Donohue (Top Masters Female '95), Linda Mills (Top Masters Female '92), Martha Merz (Top Masters Female '02, '03, '04 and Masters record holder), Patti Shull (Top Masters Female, '98, '99) and Susan Malloy (Overall Female Winner and event record holder '95).

George Banker, ATM Race Operations Manager and Elite Athlete Coordinator, expressed enthusiastism for the 2005 cast of performers, "For as far back as I can remember we have not had a female field like this at the Army Ten-Miler - not only for the Open competition but the Masters as well. This year there are many possibilities, including having our first Master Female win the Overall Women's competition. It will be very exciting to see what happens."

There are a variety of other regional females with impressive running resumes to challenge former winners. Heather Matz Jorris of Yardley, PA, joins the Army Ten Miler field for the first time. She is a World Ironman Championship qualifier with numerous top placings in Ironman and Triathlon competitions across the United States.

Samia Akbar, American University's most decorated female runner and an AU Assistant Coach, debuts in this year's Army Ten- Miler. She is an 2003 NCAA Outdoor Track All-American and holds three outdoor and five indoor AU records. Akbar won the Leesburg 20K on August 14 with a time of 1:17:32 (6:15/mile pace).

Meghan McLaughlin of Vienna, VA, will be competing at the Army Ten-Miler this year. She ran the 2004 Olympic Marathon Trials as one of the youngest athletes at age 25 and finished in 2:54:45.

Monica Grillo, age 41 of Arlington, VA, regularly places in the top three in her age group; Grillo placed sixth among women in 1:06:46 at the Annapolis 10 Miler on August 28. These women and others will make the women's race an exciting matchup of speed and experience.

The 21st edition of the Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, October 2 at 8:00 am will start and finish at the Pentagon in Arlington. Race Day activities also include the Youth Runs, 94.7 Post Race Party featuring bands and entertainment, the HOOAH Tent Zone, and a Youth Activity Zone complete with displays, the GEICO Gecko, McGruff the Crime Dog, and more. This year promises another exceptional ten-mile race steeped in the Army's Tradition of Excellence. Race weekend also features a two-day Expo, clinics and the GEICO Pasta Dinner. Produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the ATM is America's largest 10-mile race and attracts over 20,000 runners from around the world. For additional race information see the Web site: www.armytenmiler.com.

Photo: Martha Merz placed ninth and won the 2004 Female Masters title with a time of 1:00:51. Read about the 2004 Army Ten Miler.