Vandak, 52, is the race director for the Army 10-Miler, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year on Sunday in Washington. This road race has both its start and finish lines at the Pentagon. In 1997, the race had 8,900 runners. Now it’s up to 30,000.
How’d you get to D.C.?
I came out here from Michigan, just to go to school. I was taking some philosophy and theology at Catholic University and stayed. I like the area. D.C. has got all the arts, great recreation opportunities, I got married here and, economically, it’s a pretty solid.
Plus the falls are great. Michigan has four seasons but it’s a little colder. Washington gives you the four seasons but it’s a little warmer.
What makes the Army 10-Miler special?
It’s the spirit of sport and the spirit of the nation, it’s something you just have to experience. We have the Olympic sport, we’re promoting health and fitness, and we’re bringing in people and runners for all over the world.
It’s here in the nation’s capital. It’s scenic. It’s flat and fast and offers a scenic tour of all the national memorials and monuments. Where else can you run race past the Lincoln Memorial, go through picturesque Rock Creek Park and see the U.S. Capitol? It’s a beautiful course.
Who runs in the race?
We have one of the highest military participations in the United States. About 63 percent is reserve, active, veterans, retired and [Department of Defense] employees and family members, people with direct and indirect involvement with the Army.
Some run to lose that weight, some are to running in support of soldiers, they have a family member or friends serving, some people are running for the celebration of life.
The other key thing is that all of the race proceeds benefit solider MWR — morale, welfare and recreation programs for the Army. It’s great.
– Scott McCabe
