Army Rangers set to host Ranger Run, Open House

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EGLIN AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  The 6th Ranger Training Battalion will be hosting a 5k and 10k race called the Swamp Ranger Run prior to the Ranger Camp's annual Open House event May 6.

The Swamp Ranger Run is sponsored by the Swamp Ranger Association and the Northwest Florida Track Club. It will be held on an annual basis in conjunction with 6th Ranger Training Battalions Annual Open House. The run will be held at Camp James E. Rudder (Ranger Camp) near Auxiliary Field 6 on the Eglin Air Force Base military reservation.

"The Camp is surrounded by miles of some of the best trails in Northwest Florida," said U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Capozzoli, 6th RTB Charlie Company commander race director. "Scenic and challenging, the race routes are some of the best in the local area."

Registration for the race will begin at 6:30 a.m. and both the 5k and 10k races will begin at 7:30 a.m. immediately followed by an awards ceremony and breakfast.

All proceeds from the Swamp Ranger Run will go towards local charities.

"This year we are going to donate the proceeds to help build the new Fisher House being built near Eglin Air Force Base," said U.S. Army Sgt. 1st Class John Thornton, 6th RTB. "We are helping out the Air Force and the local community the way the Air Force and local community has helped the Rangers so many times in the past."

The Fisher House program is a unique private-public partnership that supports America's military in their time of need. The program recognizes the special sacrifices of men and women in uniform and the hardships of military service by meeting a humanitarian need beyond that normally provided by the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs. The Fisher House Foundation donates "comfort homes," built on the grounds of major military and VA medical centers.

These homes enable family members to be close to a loved one at the most stressful times -- during hospitalization for an unexpected illness, disease or injury. Eglin is receiving a Fisher House and the Eglin community wants to do its part to support the program.

Along with the proceeds generated from the race, private donations will be accepted to support the Fisher House.

For more information about becoming a contributor, call Sergeant Thornton at (850) 882-1164. Those interested in the open house or the run can find more information as well as pre-registration information at www.swamprangers.com and click on the "Ranger Run" tab. Participants can pre-register on-line or by mail before April 30 for $15. After pre-registration deadline, participants can still register until race time for $20.

For more information, call U.S. Army Capt. Kevin Capozzoli at (850) 882-1167.