11,000 Kilometers From Where It Started, Seaside Semper Five Unites Marines, Supporters

The race began two weeks ago in Kabul, Afghanistan, with 90 Marines. On Saturday, the second leg of the 5K race finished nearly 11,000 kilometers from where it started.

More than 2,000 lined the boardwalk in Seaside Heights Saturday to cheer on the runners in the Seaside Semper Five Marine Corps Charity 5K, a fundraiser to benefit the MARSOC Foundation.

The MARSOC Foundation assists Marines who are members of the U.S. Marine Corps Forces Special Operations Command and their families.

Members of MARSOC “are away from home and family more than 50 percent of the time, either on deployment or out-of-area training. During their service to our country, they are often exposed to combat and other hazardous activities that can have immediate and lasting impacts,” the foundation notes. “The Foundation aims to meet needs unmet by the government with an emphasis on building personal and family resiliency and supporting the full reintegration of MARSOC Marines and Sailors following wounds, injuries and extended deployment.”

The Seaside race raised $30,000 last year in its inaugural run, according to race organizers, and it caught the attention of Marines stationed in Afghanistan. This year, in an effort to show their appreciation and support, a group of Marines kicked off their global version overseas by running the race in Kabul, Afghanistan.

“To see our Marines running the Seaside Semper Five in Afghanistan not only gives me a sense of pride, but goes to show that our efforts here in the United States, really means something to our soldiers across the globe,” said Francis Costello, race director of the Seaside Semper Five.

Winner information was not immediately available, but check out a photo gallery from the event provided by event organizers.

Read more about the race at www.SeasideSemperFive.org.