Race for a Soldier - a Weekend in Gig Harbor

September event gives Permission To Start Dreaming

The Race For A Soldier - Gig Harbor Half Marathon September 23rd is more than a run through the scenic Pacific Northwest. This is a race run for hope, for support and a better future for the men and women that serve our country. It may have started in memory of  one young soldier, but has blossomed to remind us of what so many of our soldiers endure.

Right now, the suicide rate among U.S. soldiers is skyrocketing. In fact, according to a 2010 U.S. Army Report on rising suicide rates, the suicide rate among soldiers has eclipsed that of the civilian suicide rate. The soldier suicide rate has not been near this high since 1980 and as of 2011, for the second consecutive year, The United States lost more soldiers to suicide than on the battle fields of Iraq and Afghanistan combined.

Although there are many factors causing this epidemic, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is at the heart of the problem. Soldiers are serving, and returning home from service, ill-equipped to cope with their experiences at war. A majority of these soldiers have few outlets to support their mental well-being and their struggles often go unnoticed until it is too late. The U.S. Military Branches have enlisted programs and initiatives to better recognize and treat soldiers for PTSD - like mental screening programs, and initiatives to eliminate the stigma attached to having a "problem" and reporting it... but so far the soldier suicide rates keep climbing..

Supporting Gig Harbor’s Race for a Soldier on September 23^rd (as a participant, sponsor, volunteer, donor or cheerleader) you will make a difference in the lives of our brave soldiers and their families and help them change from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to Permission To Start Dreaming.

The run begins at 8am and includes some great activities and booths and includes Emcee Kenny Mayne of ESPN Sports.  Along the new route you will find community members and sponsors cheering everyone along in what has already become known as the most inspirational run in the region.  “Mile” sponsors will be out in force.  As of this writing only two mile sponsorships are still available.  Are you interested?  The Seattle Seahawks are sponsoring mile #12 in honor of the 12^th man and Seagals will be on site to show their support.

One local supporter, Thelma Channon, has stepped up in a big way by sponsoring 18 soldiers to run the race.   Since many of our soldiers have limited resources, Channon’s contribution provides these JBLM soldiers a wonderful opportunity to be a part of this wonderful event.

But the September 23^rd race is not the only event.  Friday morning September 21^st is the annual Prayer Breakfast, an uplifting morning of worship, delicious breakfast and a time to listen and learn how our community can better support veterans as they transition from the battlefield to home life.

Then on Saturday September 22nd, the evening before race day, join your fellow racers and all of the Gig Harbor community for a wonderful carb-loading pasta feast at the Tides Tavern, Gig Harbor’s iconic waterfront spot.  The pasta feast runs from 5-8p.m. and cost $13.10 with half the proceeds going to Race for a Soldier.