Josh Little gives instruction to runners before the start of the Ten-Miler at Camp Buerhing, Kuwait. (Andrew Lightsey IV)
Sweat, dust and smiles adorned the faces of runners early on Oct. 12, 2025. The group of 530 Soldiers and civilians arrived at the starting line on Eisenhower Drive at 5 a.m. to run the demanding course at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. The 2025 Army 10-Miler Shadow Run mirrored the official Army race that took place in Washington D.C. 11 hours later.
“I never thought I would run the 10-Miler in the desert or enjoy it as much as the race in Washington D.C.,” said runner, Julius Brittman. “Nothing compares to running with thousands in the historic streets of D.C., but earning the sunrise midway through this race with other Soldiers was just as exciting.”
“10 miles doesn’t sound like a lot until you’re doing it,” said participant, Doniel Kennedy. “I didn’t know the full history behind the Army Ten-Miler, but I knew it held a large amount of prestige. It’s something that a lot of people in the military attend to compete in every year and it’s a great way to challenge yourself.”
Doniel Kennedy completing the last stretch of the Army Ten-Miler at Camp Buehring, Kuwait. (Andrew Lightsey IV)
The Camp Buehring Morale, Wellness, Recreation (MWR) team hosted the event to boost esprit de corps on the base and remind Soldiers that they are a part of something bigger than themselves. Volunteers and MWR staff manned water stations at set points while military police from the 324th Military Police Company provided security.
“The Army tells us when it’s time for the 10-Miler,” said Josh Little, Camp Buehring MWR fitness center lead.“We put it on the calendar and set everything up. It’s all about camaraderie. People who may never be in contact come and do something fitness related together.”
The course led participants across the base and over various terrain that included sand and paved roads. The weather was favorable to start the run before the temperature climbed to a high of 96 degrees for the day. The sun rose 48 minutes into the race to give runners more visibility as they traversed the at times, narrow running path. These factors just made the event more memorable for the winner of the women’s race Courtney Huhta.
Courtney Huhta stands tall after running the Army 10-Miler and being the top woman to finish. (Andrew Lightsey IV)
“The Army 10-Miler Run at Camp Buehring was a different experience compared to my past races,” said Huhta, who set a personal record at 1 hour and 18 minutes.
“Throughout this deployment, I operated at a small outstation and trained on an 800m loop. I had to acclimate from wooded, cool terrain to sandy and rocky desert…. When I crossed the finish line, I was shocked. It was my first time winning a road race and it turned out to be in the harshest conditions I have ever run under.”
— Courtney Huhta
The top three male and female finishers were awarded commemorative plaques by MWR staff, and all participants were given t-shirts and medals, sponsored by HOIST Hydration. Runners appreciated the awards, but the real value came from the sense of community and accomplishment shared by all who completed the race.
“The shirt and medal were like the cherry on top,” said Kennedy.
“Going out there and running with our battle buddies is what kept morale up. Being able to compete in something that we knew they were doing in D.C. and other satellite locations is what built cohesion. I got to look around and see everyone interacting and rejoicing with one another. The race was a success.”
— Doniel Kennedy
Building off the momentum from the event, MWR representatives at Camp Buehring say they plan to host another Shadow 10-Miler next year on Oct. 11, 2026.
Julius Brittman runs the final mile of the 10-Miler Event at Camp Buehring Kuwait. (Andrew Lightsey IV)
Editor’s Note: This article was written by a member of the local military community, not an employee of Stars and Stripes. Neither the organization nor the content is being represented by Stars and Stripes or the Department of Defense.
