Katy Man Will Run Houston Marathon "With" His Wife, Who's Serving in Afghanistan
Craig Childs of Katy is running in the half-marathon that's part of the Chevron Houston Marathon. He'll be running with his wife.
Running in Houston and at Forward Operating Base Ghanzi in Afghanistan
Even though Lt. Laura Childs will be in Afghanistan that day.
As they did in 2007, marathon officials are coordinating races here and in a spot where an armed service member is serving.
"This race will be bittersweet," said Childs. "I love the idea of running here while Craig is there, but I'm sure it will make me miss him even more."
Her run will be a little harder.
To coordinate the timing, the runners in Afghanistan will be going at night, with temps expected in the 20-30 degree range. And they won't be running on the paved streets of Houston, with tons of volunteers standing by with drinks:
Soldiers and civilian workers will run on a two-mile loop course on FOB Ghazni about 7,000 feet above sea level in eastern Afghanistan, running just over six laps to complete the 13.1-mile race. Because the base consists of large chunks of gravel, the course will take place on a small airfield with packed sand. Runners will have to clear the way if helicopters need to take off.
Yeah, we endorse the "clear away for helicopters" idea.
About 150 runners are registered for the Afghanistan race, including 34 from Texas. The marathon is shipping over racer bibs and shirts for the January 30 event.
"When we received word of this opportunity from a local participant serving overseas,
we did not hesitate to move forward," said Wade Morehead, the executive director of
the Houston Marathon Committee. "We are excited about this opportunity to show our
gratitude to those who serve and protect our country, and to unite runners across
the globe."
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