The Army West Point Marathon Team ran the Army Navy Game Ball from the front steps of the Superintendent’s House to the Lincoln Financial Field in Philadelphia in less than 24 hours December 12th-15th. The ball run tradition started in 1985 by a USCC company and the Marathon Team took over the task in 1991. The 2019 route took the cadets through three states and was 157 miles long.
Community members were invited to join the Marathon Team for the first two miles and the last five miles of the route. The Master of Ceremonies for the start of the run was LTC King, the First Regiment Tactical Officer. He fired up the Cadets and community members before handing the call to the Marathon Team CIC, Cadet Ryan French. The team was escorted by police cars and cheered on by loyal Army Fans.
The outpouring of support was tremendous during the journey. In particular, the team was grateful to Reagent Chemical for breakfast along the route. The company surprised the Cadets by inviting COL Jack Jacobs, a Medal of Honor recipient, and an OIC for first AWP Marathon Team in 1973, to give them a talk about grit.
The team was also thankful for the Warriors Watch veterans motorcycle group and Centre Square Fire Co. for the escort during the final 20 miles into Philadelphia. The flashing lights and sirens attracted more Army Fans to come cheer along the streets.