Local Runner Helps Make First Fort2Base Run a Success

On Sunday, September 11, 2011, a new tradition was born in the northern suburbs.

The first annual Fort2Base run, a 10 nautical mile (11.5 miles) race starting at historic Fort Sheridan and ending at the Great Lakes Naval Station via the Green Bay Trail, was held. Most race participants hailed from all over Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana although some came from as far away as Virginia and California. Of the 784 runners, only one was from Morton Grove.

Morton Grove resident Justin Girard had just completed three quarters of the race when a fellow runner and member of his Fort Sheridan based military unit started experiencing pain. Rather than complete the race at his normal pace, Girard slowed down and helped his limping friend complete the last quarter of the race course.

Girard shrugged off any mention of the deed.

"I'm a soldier and he's my battle buddy. It's what we do," he said without skipping a beat. "This race was not as much about competition as it was about showing unity, goodwill and honoring those who fell on 9/11 and as a result of the war against terror. It's no coincidence that it was scheduled on the tenth anniversary of 9/11 when Americans from all walks of life came together as one. He would've done the same for me."

Participants who finished the race received a 10 Nautical Mile Military Challenge Coin. According to Fort2Base, the challenge coin “represents affiliation, support or patronage to the organization.” Girard's official race completion time was 2:29:11. He expects to run the race again next year.