Hooah!

The 19th Army Ten-Miler, the nation's largest ten-mile roadrace with a cast of more than 12,000 starters, roared off the starting line Sunday at the Pentagon. After a brisk tour of Washington, and on a perfect day for racing, John Henwood from New Zealand outkicked the Army's own Scott Goff (#16) to win in 48 minutes 39 seconds. Goff finished just behind in 48:43, runner-up for the second straight year. (Photo on course by Alan Penberg.)

"We were testing each other the last three miles," Goff said, "and it came down to a kick. I had no idea who he was. I only knew he was tall."

For his part, Henwood wasn't sure about much more than that. He had been working aboard a cruise ship until the last few months, when he moved in with a friend living in Brookland in the District.

"I knew I had a chance to win," Henwood said. "But I wasn't that sure of my fitness."

Alisa Harvey, 38 (photo), from Manassas, ran 59:29 to win at Army for the first time in three years and third time overall. Jackie Concaugh, 28, from Alexandria, a miler turned distance runner, was second in 1:00:13. Martha Merz, 41, from Mystic, Connecticut, but formerly from Annandale, Virginia, returned to the area and took honors as the top masters division runner and third overall in 1:00:36.

The race is a showcase for the military's largest branch, and it is run with the precision and security levels one would expect-- and fear--at a race through the nation's capital and staged at the military's brain center. An inordinate amount of "Yes, Sir- ring!" Humvees with rifle-toting soldiers, metal detectors and enough snow-fencing to nearly encircle the world's largest office building are the unfortunate signs of our times, at least as far as the Army sizes up the situation.

On the brighter side, military teams from around the country rally to Washington to compete against one another in a spirit of camaraderie and support. For the last two years, the Italian Army has sent a strong contingent of their fastest runners to compete as well.

And after finishing second to the U.S. Army last year, this year the Italians won the international competition with six runners among the top 13, including Luigi Labella, 21, third in 49:16.

"We want to underline the strong relationship we have with the United States, both in athletics and in the field," said Col. Giaccomo Calligaris, team coordinator.

Strong relationships, strong runners, strong showing: all hallmarks of the Army Ten-Miler.

See complete results of the 2003 Army Ten Miler.