The 40th Army Ten-Miler, Oct. 13, 2024 in Arlington, Va., and Washington, D.C. (Joe Gromelski/Special to Stars and Stripes)
The Army Ten-Miler will step off at the Pentagon on Sunday morning as initially planned, race organizers announced Thursday after they spent recent days considering canceling the event amid the federal government shutdown.
The 41st annual Army Ten-Miler will send some 28,000 registered runners on a course from the Pentagon, through a scenic tour of Washington and back to the finish line at the Defense Department’s Arlington headquarters, organizers said. The race’s annual expo will also proceed Friday and Saturday at the St. James Flagship in Springfield, Va.
The race is scheduled to begin at 8 a.m. local time.
Organizers spent recent days debating whether the race should be held as the federal shutdown entered its second week. The lapse in appropriations caused by Congress’ inability to pass a fiscal year 2026 budget or reach a temporary spending agreement has forced tens of thousands of DOD civilian workers to be furloughed and military service members to work without immediate pay. Troops will be paid once the shutdown ends, according to federal law.
The Army Ten-Miler requires about 900 volunteers and 900 soldiers to run each year, according to organizers. Past events have attracted up to 35,000 runners, many of whom travel from across the country and around the world. The race raises funds for the Army’s Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation programs, according to event organizers.
The 2025 Army Ten-Miler will be conducted “in compliance with applicable guidance during the government shutdown,” Army officials said in a statement. The race is largely funded via non-appropriated funds, which means they are not tax dollars provided by Congress. Money is primarily raised via sponsorships and registrations.
“While indirect costs may be incurred, the event is structured to avoid additional direct costs to taxpayers,” according to the Army statement.
Participants also have the option to join in a virtual version of the event, organizers said.
