MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- Eighteen Marines gathered aboard Marine Corps Base Hawaii at 4 p.m. to trek the 133 miles around the outer skirts of Oahu in 24 hours in their “Run around Oahu” charity, Dec. 6, 2013.
The event helped raise awareness and money for the injured Marines Semper Fi Fund. The Semper Fi Fund is a nonprofit organization that helps provide immediate financial assistance and support for injured and critically ill members of the Army, Marine Corps, Navy, Coast Guard, Air Force and reserves.
“We chose a charity for injured Marines because people are forgetting since the war is dwindling down,” said James Miller, a run participant. “We want to remind them that there are still injured Marines, who, along with their families, need to be remembered and supported as they continue their long roads to recovery.”
The group raised approximately $5,400. They solely spread the word of the collection through word of mouth and social media. With the support of friends, family and former Marines, they were able to gather more than they expected.
“We reached our goal of $5,000 (Dec. 4),” Miller said. “We had been collecting donations through a nonprofit charity website for about three weeks.”
The Marines remained awake during the 24-hour event through their willpower. No caffeine or energy drinks were consumed during the run.
“Honestly it was a welcoming experience,” said Lester Cano, a run participant. “I didn’t know anyone. I’ve only been here about two weeks. This helped me meet everyone and get to know them.”
The Marines wanted to run 238 miles in celebration of the Marine Corps Birthday, but due to the size of the island that was only possible running in pairs. They added the miles every Marine ran to total up to 238 miles.
“We expected it to take longer than it did,” Miller said. “We were expecting them to run 10 minute miles but they ended up running at a seven to eight minute-mile pace.”
Each Marine ran approximately 17 miles. Each pair would run three miles before switching out with another pair. This pattern continued throughout the entire journey.
“Running three miles out here is a lot harder than the three miles on a physical fitness test,” said Andrew Costagliola, a run participant. “We had to worry about cars, winding roads and the dark. It was fun but a lot harder than I expected. We’re all pretty fatigued.”
Groups of four or five Marines rode in cars and staged themselves every three miles to trade out pairs of runners. Then they would drive up another three miles to wait and pick up their pair as two from another vehicle would trade out.
“We stopped at different eateries along the way,” Miller said. “Some Marines went surfing in their spare time while waiting for their turn to run. It’s been a lot of fun for the Marines.”
Most of the journey was on paved roads, except for one stretch through a mud covered back road. The vehicles had to back track and drive around and wait at the end of the road. The mud and dirt didn’t soil their motivation.
“I’ve deployed twice,” Costagliola said. “I have friends who wouldn’t be able to do this because of injuries. It gives me a certain motivation others might not have.”
The last two Marines finished the grueling run at the Pacific War Memorial where the group waited. They gathered together for a pep talk once everything was over. They were covered in sweat with tired eyes, yet still high-fived and smiled at their accomplishment.
“I had a great time,” Costagliola said. “It’s my last trip around the island before my end of service. It was nice to spend time with Marines I’ve lived with and deployed with. It’s definitely something I will always remember.”