Volunteers, both groups and individuals, are still needed on Friday, September 30 and Saturday, October 1 for this year's Army Ten-Miler (ATM). The openings are at the ATM Headquarter hotel, the Crystal Gateway Marriott in Arlington, Virginia. Positions yet to be filled include help with Packet Pick-up, Expo and T-Shirt distribution, among others. To sign up to volunteer, please visit www.armytenmiler.com. Volunteers receive a commemorative T-shirt and Groups of 10 or more receive a special recognition plaque.

"The Army Ten-Miler would not happen if it weren't for the 700 volunteers who help throughout race weekend every year. It takes a tremendous amount of effort and coordination to carry out America's largest 10-mile race", according to Jim Vandak, Director of the Army Ten-Miler.

Many volunteers come back year after year, such as, Ken Wyban, a seven year ATM veteran. "It takes a lot of volunteers to run the race - a lot of camaraderie..." Says Ken, "To see 20,000 runners coming toward you is quite tremendous. A lot of people working together for one goal is a true achievement.... there is no better feeling than watching the runners and knowing you helped make this event happen."

Friday and Saturday of race weekend, volunteers can assist at the annual Expo, working with registered runners to provide what they need for the race on Sunday and orienting the participants. This service is as important as work done on race day.

Jimmy Willis, a volunteer who has donated his time to distribute T-Shirts during race weekend since 1997 comments, "Helping out at the race is meaningful to me because I am doing it for a good cause. All of us volunteers are helping people both who are running the race and those who are benefiting because of the race. Also, it's great to work with the people who come back to help year after year."

The 21st edition of the Army Ten-Miler on Sunday, October 2 at 8:00 am, will start and finish at the Pentagon. This year promises another exceptional ten-mile race steeped in the Army's Tradition of Excellence. Produced by the U.S. Army Military District of Washington, the race annually attracts over 20,000 runners from around the world . For additional race information visit www.armytenmiler.com or send an e-mail to George Banker george.banker@fmmc.army.mil.

Photo above: Casey Smith, age 25 of Arlington, VA, won her second Army Ten-Miler in 57:26.
Read the Story from the 2004 Army Ten Miler