The Army Marathon and the National Mounted Warfare Foundation Honor the 50th Anniversary of the Vietnam War

Today, leaders with The Army Marathon and the National Mounted Warfare Foundation (NMWF) announced the next step in their partnership – the unveiling of the Marathon’s 2015 finisher’s medal that includes an image of the one of the battle tanks that will be a focal point in the National Mounted Warrior Museum which the foundation is planning to build at Fort Hood.

“The Army Marathon was created to honor military veterans and their families, and especially to raise money and awareness for the many organizations who serve these heroes,” said Ed Bandas, president of The Army Marathon. “Our goal is to be the largest marathon in the country that directly honors the service and sacrifice of our Vietnam veterans as well as all of our heroes that have served this country faithfully.” The event takes place on March 1st, 2015, and is the third largest annual event, which started in 2013.

The marathon, produced in partnership with Baylor Scott & White Health System, Central Texas College, and other generous sponsors, has drawn over 2000 runners, with a course starting in Killeen, TX near Fort Hood and ending in the nearby city of Temple, following a 26.2-mile course through Central Texas. Runners have come from almost every state and several different countries to run in this charitable event. 

The 2015 Finisher’s Medal, awarded to all who finish the marathon, half marathon, and 5K, will feature a three dimensional M48 Patton Main Battle Tank, the main battle tank used by the United States Army during the Vietnam War. The design was created in cooperation with the staff at National Mounted Warfare Foundation in order to honor the service of Vietnam veterans and begins a new series of medals for The Army Marathon featuring main battle tanks of the US Army.

Lieutenant General (Retired) Paul Funk, President and CEO of the National Mounted Warfare Foundation said that he was excited about their continued partnership with the Army Marathon. “This signature event brings thousands of runners and spectators to Central Texas in order to help support the men and women who have faithfully served our nation. The National Mounted Warrior Museum, when built, will tell their stories. We see this alliance between the NMWF and The Army Marathon as mutually beneficial and one that we hope will last a very long time,” said General Funk.  

The Army Marathon planning features an “After Party” at the finish line in Temple, Texas, that will also be themed with live music from the 60’s and 70’s, vendors, and displays (weather permitting). This exciting new addition will pay respect to this generation of heroes and be a fun place for citizens of the surrounding communities to cheer on the runners in a festive atmosphere as well as see military vehicles that have planned to be staged at the finish line.  Organizations wanting to participate with displays are welcome to call the organizers of this event at (210) 632-2800 or email at info@thearmymarathon.com.

Both The Army Marathon and the National Mounted Warfare Foundation are 501(c)(3) charitable organizations whose mission is to benefit our active duty and veteran service men and women and their families. Neither The Army Marathon nor the National Mounted Warfare Foundation is associated with the United States Army. Sponsorship of this event does not signify any endorsement by the Army, the Department of Defense, or the government of United States of America. 

Contact Information

Avi White

General Counsel

First Source Interactive

avi@firstsourceinteractive.com