Fort Bragg, N.C. — Fort Bragg soldiers and their families ran 10 miles Friday morning to mark the Army’s 237th birthday this week. More than 1,900 people registered to run the race, which is in its 16th year.

Spc. Nathaniel Salaam had never run 10 miles before Friday but said he would try his best.

“I’m about to find out what I’m made of today,” he said.

Spc. David Kemboi was the first sweat-soaked runner to cross the finish line, with a time of 57 minutes.

“I was trying to do it under 55 (minutes), but I've been out for a long while,” Kemboi said. “The last competitive race I had was around 2008, and then I had a knee injury.”

Sgt. Eric Blue was victorious in his own way. He ran the race despite suffering a traumatic brain injury last year.

“I didn’t think I’d be able to make it this far. This was just a test for myself, a testament to see whether or not I could do it,” Blue said.

Those who didn’t want to run could participate in a 4-mile walk. At the end of the race, the Army celebrated with a birthday cake.

“You can kind of tell the people who do these things really treat it as a very social event,” said Sgt. Chana Krit. “It’s a good way to build cohesion and camaraderie among your peers.”