Mary Fay Pendleton students run to Afghanistan to support troops, encourage physical fitness

The students of Mary Fay Pendleton School, along with teachers, family members, service members and countless volunteers, “arrived” in Afghanistan today, marking the end of a 7,540-mile journey to promote support for deployed troops and physical fitness.

The two-day trek covered the distance between Oceanside and Afghanistan, where thousands of Camp Pendleton sailors and Marines are currently deployed.

More than 900 students in kindergarten through eighth grade, deployed service members, various Pendleton units and families across the nation began running March 1 to help reach the final goal, said Wendy Hill, principal of Mary Fay Pendleton School.

“This run started out as just a school event, but throughout the month it’s really taken on a life of its own,” said Hill. “We’ve had sailors and Marines from the Marine Expeditionary Units running laps and sending us photos, deployed parents getting their units involved in Afghanistan, neighbors coming out. It’s been a wonderful showing of cooperation and community.”

Each week, the students ran laps on the track at Mary Fay, and recorded their progress. Students were also encouraged to solicit donations from family, friends and local business to go toward new school equipment, field trips and educational opportunities.

The entire month of running and fundraising culminated in a two-day jog-a-thon at the Mary Fay Pendleton school track, March 29- 30, with local news media covering every step as the students raced across the finish line.

Students ran with self-made signs on their backs showing who they were running for.

Many ran for their mothers and fathers in Afghanistan.

For many of the students, especially those with a parent currently deployed, the run represented more than just staying in shape.

“My dad is in Afghanistan right now, and he loves running, so I’m doing this to show I care,” said Hannah Wijcicki, 8, a third grader at Mary Faye. “We can talk about how my running is going whenever he calls, and that’s really fun.”

During its course, the “Run to Afghanistan” evolved into a priceless lesson on community and friendship, said Janelle Field, a coordinator and committee member for the jog-a-thon.

“Next door neighbors and students with both parents here have teamed up with kids whose mom or dad is gone, and it’s really just heartwarming to see,” said Field.

“Our children are learning that as a military community, we’re all in this together, and that they’re a special part of our society.”

For Lt. Col. Ahmed Williamson, battalion commander of 9th Communications Battalion. I Marine Expeditionary Force, participating with his daughter Nilah, 9, represented much more than a way to promote fitness.

“I’m usually deployed, so I take every chance to interact with my daughter, and this is an extremely worthwhile cause,” said Williamson. “This event shows the great connection of the military community. Our troops are out there defending us, and we are running to honor them.”

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