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The run is to honor those who died during the Bataan Death March in the Philippines where American and Filipino fighters were captured by Japanese forces and forced to march in harsh summer conditions. Many died during the march.
Cadet Technical Sgt. Harley Adamson and Cadet Capt. Matthew Lindamood have worked hard with others to put the run together, they said, because they want to honor those who gave everything.
“It is important to us because of the men most of the time gave the ultimate sacrifice for us to be here,” Adamson said. “It is really important to us to give back and show them that we do appreciate what they gave.”
While the World War II soldiers marched in the summer heat, anyone who would like to participate will be battling the cold.
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“We decided to do it in the winter because it’s cold and there needs to be a harsh element to it,” Adamson said. “Sometimes the summer’s don’t get very hot so we decided to do it during the winter.”
The top three winners will get medals and a coupon for 20 percent off at Slice of Heaven Pizzeria in Enon.
The run isn’t easy to put together but is for a good cause, Lindamood said.
“It takes a good amount preparation,” he said. “We have to go around and make sure the environment is safe for people to run.”
The group is trying to raise money to send veterans to Washington, D.C. so they can see the memorials erected in their honor.
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“The money for Honor Flight is good. It cost $4,000 for 10 veterans to go and we are trying to do that,” Lindamood said.
If 14 miles in the cold is too much, Adamson said she still encourages people to come out for the opening ceremony at 8 a.m. to honor those who died during the march and contribute to Honor Flight.
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