Inaugural Army Marathon To Be Run Sunday April 21

The 2013 Army Marathon kicks off this Saturday, April 21.

The race will begin at the Killeen Civic and Conference Center on South W.S. Young Drive in Killeen at 6:30 a.m. The race will continue up FM 2305 and on to Hilliard Road, then north on Hilliard to the finish line just south of Highway 36.

The race has already registered around 1,000 runners.

19 water stations will be set up along the route. These stations will feature an electrolyte replacement drink, water and portable restrooms. Scott and White medical personnel will also be on hand. Runners are advised to bring their own food, energy bars or energy gels, as there will be no gel stations on the course.

Participants can opt for the 5KLicks; a 5K run set up around the same course.

There will also be a Post-Race Festival at the finish line, with music and more.

Extra security is also being provided by area law enforcement following Monday’s Boston Marathon bombing. Police have no reason to suspect trouble, but emergency response and law enforcement crews will be standing by to ensure the security of racers and spectators.

W.S. Young Drive will be closed until 20 minutes after the race begins. The Belton Lake Dam will remain closed until the race’s conclusion, and spectators will not be allowed to watch the race from that location.

The marathon was created to honor veterans and their families, and proceeds from the event will go to charitable causes dedicated to that effort.

For more information on the race and how to register, you can check out the Army Marathon website.