Gore-Tex Philadelphia Marathon has Troops Run First Again!

American300 Public Affairs-

LTC Strange, US Army Garrison Hohenfels Commander
and Garrison Runners Shout Out to Philly Runners - 2012 

(HOHENFELS GERMANY) November 6, 2013 — For the fifth time, a Philadelphia Marathon - affiliated race will take place outside of the city, as U.S. troops participate in a remote race in Germany in a special goodwill kickoff initiative for the Gore-Tex Philadelphia Marathon. 

“We are tremendously proud of this longstanding and heartfelt connection to the courageous men and women who have placed their lives in military service to preserve and protect our precious freedoms.” said Philadelphia Mayor Michael Nutter, adding “We’ll show that pride during the Philadelphia Marathon Weekend, November 15-17, when nearly 30,000 runners and friends and family have the opportunity to see and hear greetings recorded during the Fifth Annual First Wave Race in Hohenfels.” 

Like many nationally recognized marathons, the Gore-Tex Philadelphia Marathon sends official race supplies to military members serving overseas so that they too can participate from afar.  What continues to make this kickoff race unique is that T-shirts, race bibs and awards aren’t the only items headed to Germany... the cities marathon announcer travels with the materials. 

USAG Hohenfels Philadelphia First Wave - 2012

Nationally known Gore-Tex Philadelphia Marathon race announcer Rob Powers, of Steamboat Springs, Colorado has worked with the Mayor’s Office to bridge the gap in distance between Philadelphia and US Army Garrison Hohenfels each year. 

“Bringing the love and appreciation of the City to the Troops in Germany has become a Veterans Day tradition for me,” says Powers, a veteran himself, who founded the nonprofit American300 Tours. “It’s an honor to work with Mayor Nutter and the cities representatives to put the troops first each year. Five years ago nobody knew we had a base in Hohenfels Germany... now on any given Gore-Tex Philadelphia Marathon race day thousands cheer for the troops there... it’s pretty special.” 

To follow the event in Germany please visit: www.American300.org and social media at: www.facebook.com/thewarriortours