The Army Ten-Miler has announced the debut of the Cheetah as the mascot for the 26th annual race to be held at 8 a.m., Sunday, Oct. 24, with the start and finish lines at the Pentagon. 

The unnamed Cheetah was chosen because of its appeal to children and because it is the fastest living land animal on earth.

Since every mascot has to have a distinctive name, race officials are conducting a first-ever Name the Cheetah Mascot Contest from Aug. 23 through 5 p.m. EDT Sept. 24.

The winner will receive $1,500 in the form of a qualified 529 college savings plan provided by Health Net Federal Services, the sponsor of the Name the Cheetah Mascot Contest and the race’s Youth Activity Zone and two popular Youth Runs.

The Name the Cheetah Mascot Contest is open to the children of all Army personnel -- active duty, Army National Guard and U.S. Army Reserve -- between the ages of 4 and14.

There are two youth runs scheduled for this year’s race. The first race is an approximately 100-meter run for kids between the ages of kindergarten through 3^rd grade -- and parents can enter too.

The second race is an approximately 200-meter run for kids in 4^th through 8^th grades. 

All children participating in either race will receive a complimentary T-shirt and commemorative finisher medal. Both runs are spirited and non-competitive. A limited number of Cheetah coloring race bibs will also be available at youth packet pick up for registered youth runners.

Packet pick up for individual runners, teams and the youth runs will take place at the DC Armory, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday, Oct. 22 and 23.  For details, see the Army Ten-Miler Web site at: www.armytenmiler.com.

“Participation from the military is such a large part of the Army Ten-Miler each year that we wanted to make something extra special for their children.” Jim Vandak, the race director, said. 

Adding, “We are delighted to introduce the Cheetah as the new race mascot and to launch a naming contest. The newly-named mascot will be part of the race for many years to come.”  

"Health Net takes pride in partnering with the armed services, especially at events that promote physical and behavioral wellness for service members and their families. We are excited at the opportunity to partner again with the Army Ten-Miler, and this year sponsor a contest to name the new mascot of this annual run," Tom Carrato, program officer, Department of Defense Programs, Health Net Federal Services, said.   

To avoid multiple submissions of the same mascot name, entries will be posted on the race’s Web site (www.armytenmiler.com).  If a mascot name is proposed by multiple people, then the first person who submitted the name will receive credit. 

Race officials will choose the top five names and post them for voting at:  www.armytenmiler.com.

After the contest closes on Sept. 24, all Army active duty, Army National Guard and Army Reserve youth between the ages of 4 and 14 are eligible to vote for the mascot’s name from Sep. 29 through 5 p.m., EDT, Oct. 12. The winning name will be announced Oct. 18.

The winner must provide proof of age, as well as parent/legal guardian military status.

The Army Ten-Miler is the third largest 10-mile road race in the world. Race weekend activities include a two-day race expo with over 75 exhibitors, fitness clinics, youth activity zone and youth runs, helicopters and interactive Army trucks on display, post race party and HOOAH tents from Army installations around the world.

The race is produced by U.S. Army Military District of Washington (MDW), with proceeds benefiting Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation, a comprehensive network of support and leisure services designed to enhance the lives of soldiers and their families.

The mission of the Army Ten-Miler is to promote the Army, build esprit de corps, support fitness goals, and enhance community relations. For more information about this prestigious race, visit
www.armytenmiler.com.