All American Marathon

All American Marathon. The All American Marathon is an annual road racing event held in Fayetteville, North Carolina, celebrating the spirit and sacrifice of the United States Armed Forces. Established in 2015, the event features a full marathon, a half marathon, and a 5K run, attracting military personnel, veterans, and civilians from across the nation. The race is renowned for its course that winds through historic Fort Bragg and past significant local landmarks, offering a unique blend of athletic challenge and patriotic tribute.

History

The event was founded in 2015 through a partnership between the City of Fayetteville and the United States Army installation at Fort Bragg, now part of Fort Liberty, as a way to honor service members and foster community ties. Its creation was inspired by the deep military heritage of the region, home to the Airborne and Special Operations Museum and units like the 82nd Airborne Division. The inaugural race saw strong participation from soldiers of the XVIII Airborne Corps and has been held annually each March, growing in stature within the national running community. The marathon has consistently paid homage to the legacy of the United States Army Special Operations Command and the broader Military of the United States.

Course and logistics

The point-to-point course begins in downtown Fayetteville near the Market House and proceeds onto the grounds of Fort Liberty, offering runners a rare opportunity to traverse an active military base. Runners pass iconic sites such as the John F. Kennedy Memorial and the 82nd Airborne Division War Memorial Museum, with the route utilizing sections of Long Street and Bragg Boulevard. The course is certified by USA Track & Field and features a mix of urban streets and wooded areas, with notable support from the Fort Bragg Garrison and volunteers from organizations like the American Red Cross. Logistics are coordinated with the North Carolina Department of Transportation to ensure road closures and runner safety are managed effectively.

Notable winners and records

The men's course record of 2:19:45 was set by Army Captain and elite runner Samuel Kosgei in the 2018 edition, while the women's record of 2:48:12 was established by Marine Corps veteran and Olympic Trials qualifier Melissa Tanner in 2019. Past winners have frequently included top finishers from other major military races like the Army Ten-Miler and the Marine Corps Marathon. The event has also seen competitive performances from members of the All-Army Sports program and athletes representing the World Class Athlete Program. The half marathon division has been dominated by runners from local clubs such as the North Carolina Roadrunners Club and the Fort Bragg Running Club.

Event features and community impact

Distinctive features include a pre-race pasta dinner hosted by the Fayetteville Rotary Club, a dramatic start signaled by howitzers from the 319th Airborne Field Artillery Regiment, and finisher medals designed by local artists. The event significantly boosts the local economy, with partnerships from entities like the Fayetteville Area Convention & Visitors Bureau and Cape Fear Valley Health System. It serves as a major fundraiser for charities supporting veterans, such as the USO of North Carolina and the Wounded Warrior Project. The race weekend fosters a strong sense of camaraderie, highlighted by the presence of the Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps and displays from the 82nd Airborne Division Chorus.

Participation and registration

Registration typically opens in the fall through the event's official website, with capped fields for the marathon and half marathon to ensure quality management. The event draws a diverse field, including active-duty members from all branches of the United States Armed Forces, teams from the Federal Bureau of Investigation Training Academy, and international participants from allied nations like the British Army. Special registration categories exist for units within the United States Army Reserve and the North Carolina National Guard. All participants receive technical shirts and gain access to the post-race festival in Festival Park, which features live music and exhibits from sponsors like Under Armour and Gatorade.

Category:Marathons in the United States Category:Sports in North Carolina Category:Recurring events established in 2015