3rd Annual Fourth of July Music City 10k/5k Unites Soldiers and Civilians

On July 4, 2009 the third annual Fourth of July Music City 10k/5k, hosted by Nashville organization I Run For The Party, will be run simultaneously by currently deployed members of the 101st Airborne in Afghanistan. The events will take place in downtown Nashville, Tennessee and at the Forward Operating Base in Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. When pilot and Chief Warrant Officer 2nd class Lori Rinck contacted Race Director, Emmit Martin, the idea for twin events came to full form. Martin stated,"To say that we are honored by the request from our troops would be an understatement."

The 10 hour time difference won't stop soldiers and civilians from competing together for the winning race time. Participants will review results and pictures in celebration of our freedom and a live web-chat before the race. Finishers in both Nashville and Afghanistan will receive commemorative t-shirts, food and beverages. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

The Music City 10k/5k in Nashville, sponsored by the Country Music Hall of Fame will be held on July 4, 2009, starting at 8 a.m. at Hilton Hotel Park in downtown Nashville with children's activities to follow. To sign up today, visit www.irunfortheparty.com or register when you arrive on race day.