By 1st Lt. Jonathan Bender
13th Sustainment Command (Expeditionary) Public Affairs
IRAQ - Once or twice a month the Morale, Welfare and Recreation organization holds a running event, ranging anywhere between 5K to a full marathon. Some people run these events because it's a hobby and they are trying for a new personal record. Others are doing it as a New Year's resolution or to check another task off their bucket list. And don't forget the ones who are "strongly advised" by their supervisors or leaders to run in it as a "motivator." There are many different reasons why people run these races, but in the end they all have one common goal: A free T-shirt at the finish line.
In the short time I have been in Iraq, a free T-shirt for running in a race has been the ultimate motivator for many Soldiers of all ages and ranks. It's the main point of conversation before the race; Is there a free T-shirt, what color is it, and what does it look like are some of the questions asked and the T-shirt is the must-have fashion item of the season after the race. In the days leading up to the races (which usually take place on a Saturday or Sunday morning), either in the chow hall or at bus stop, you just might hear the following conversation or at least something similar:
Soldier 1: "You running in the 10k this weekend?"
Soldier 2: "Is there a free T-shirt involved?"
Soldier 1: "Yup"
Soldier 2: "I'm in."
The quest for a free t-shirt drives people to train up for these events. Soldiers who once struggled and complained about the 2-mile physical training test run are now training for five and 10K runs. Unfortunately, there is often a limited number of T-shirts to be given and nobody wants to be in the group of 50 or so that ran the race but didn't sign up early enough to receive one. Sometimes, the T-shirts are given dictated upon who finishes first.
Soldier's are becoming creative with the T-shirts, not just using them for wear. One Soldier plans to collect as many t-shirts as possible and make a quilt. Another, 2nd Lt. Querubin Tagulao from 260th Combat Sustainment Support Battalion and a native of Virginia Beach, Va., plans on connecting them across the room to craft his living quarters with a curtain to separate his room. "It's more festive than a poncho liner," said the motivated lieutenant, "plus, it gives me a real sense of accomplishment".
The free T-shirt craze has gone to the extent that groups hosting the event do not have enough supply to meet the demand. The most recent race, a 5k walk/10k run in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month came with the tag "T-Shirts for All Participants." Unfortunately, the group only had 400 T-shirts for nearly 700 participants. This left close to 300 runners, sweaty, tired and disgruntled after being denied the prize they ran 6.2 miles to get. However, the MWR has learned from previous errors and for the upcoming Army 10 Miler they have 1,100 shirts ordered for the runners. During the last race, the signs taped to the back of 2 participants summed up the thoughts of all the people competing. In large font you could read from 30-40 feet away, simply stated "I'M JUST RUNNING THIS FOR THE FREE T-SHIRT."
| Date Taken: | 10.16.2009 |
| Date Posted: | 10.19.2009 16:21 |
| Story ID: | 40348 |
| Location: | IQ |
| Web Views: | 80 |
| Downloads: | 68 |
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