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Video by Staff Sgt. Stephen Linch

The 29TH Annual Grand Bara 15K Race – with titles

Combined Joint Task Force - Horn of Africa

Dec. 16, 2011 | 1:20

Package about how More than 1,300 runners competed in the 29th annual Grand Bara 15K race in the Grand Bara Desert in Djibouti. The race was hosted by the French 5th Combined Overseas Marine Battalion, and was kicked off with a flyover by three French Mirage Fighter Jets. French Marine Colonel Oliver Ducret, 5th Combined Overseas Marines Battalion Commander: "We don't use a revolver. We use airplane. IT's more fun." SSgt. Stephen Linch reporting: service members and civilians from France, Djibouti, the U.S., Germany and other nations participated in the annual event. Although not all of the runners spoke the same language, many could relate through the challenge presented by crossing through the barren desert. U.S. Marine Captain Melissa Mueller, womens 1st place winner and CJTF-HOA member: running is kind of a common like language that we all, you know, we all give high fives at the end and tell good jobs so we share the same type of struggle or challenges through a run. SSGT. Stephen Linch reporting: After running in a straight line for seven and a half miles over the flat, dry and cracked earth of the Grand Bara, participants got their first glimpse of the finish line all of the Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa participants finished the 9.3 mile race and several Americans received medals and trophies for their efforts. French Marine Colonel Oliver Ducret, 5th Combined Overseas Marines Battalion Commander: “Thank you for the American Soldier, for coming to do the race with us.” SSgt. Stephen Linch Reporting: Reporting from Combined Joint Task Force – Horn of Africa, I’m Staff Sergeant Stephen Linch. Also available in High Definition. With titles.