Description

The first Taji 100 was held at former Camp Taji, in Al Taji, Iraq, in February of 2010. The once-thriving American military base was located in a rural region approximately 20 miles north of Baghdad. During the Saddam years, the camp was an Iraqi Republican Guard base central to the production of chemical weapons. Camp Taji was heavily bombed during Operation Desert Fox, and came under American control in 2003.

Captain Carole DiPardo, 211th Military Police Battalion, created the friendly competition for her fellow troops in Camp Taji with a simple goal: Run 100 miles during the month of February. Although DiPardo originally established the challenge to promote cardiovascular health and fitness, the run was also instrumental in helping stationed U.S. service members relieve stress and boredom during what were often long and tedious deployments. With nearly 300 registered runners and walkers its first year, the inaugural Taji 100 was a huge success.

Paul Fukuma, Executive Director and Chairman of Taji 100, was a participant in the first challenge while serving as a US Army Combat Medic in Taji. To help others follow through with their New Year’s health and fitness resolutions, he organized the first stateside Taji 100 in 2011. Fukuma says, “I see most people’s New Year’s Resolution motivation start to fade after only a month. This challenge will help to keep those fitness promises and hopefully get people over that slump in motivation.”

Mission Statement
The mission of Taji 100 is to encourage health and fitness by promoting an active lifestyle. Working collaboratively with the members and businesses of our communities, we offer products, education, resources, and services though a peer-supportive network. While encouraging, motivating, and inspiring healthier Americans, we simultaneously raise awareness and support for American military service men and women by collecting donations for military-related non-profit charity organizations.

Race Rules
Objective

Walk, jog, run, hike, or elliptical 100 miles within the 28 days of February 2022.

Alternative Goal: Swim 25 miles or cycle 300 miles within the 28 days of February 2022.

Note: Only one activity will be permitted during the challenge. Participants will not be permitted to “mix-n-match” multiple activities.

We recognize that 100 miles may not be a suitable goal and we encourage you to set your goal in the spirit of the Taji 100 challenge. Please contact us at [email protected] if you need a personalized challenge goal.