Waffenlauf - Do you wanna run a Military Run?

I remember the first time I saw runners wearing military uniform with a bag on their back and a gun shinning from it. It was on my first marathon - Frauenfelder, 2015. I was amazed to see them running, I couldn't imagine how hard that should be, so made me respect them even more.
Past November I ran it again, and the feeling was the same. I don't know what is it about, but is different. One of the fastest men , Fritz Gast and I, crossed our paths in social media and soon came the invitation:  Do you wanna run a Military Run? I never though about it, but after that question, oh yes. I do.
Months went by,  I was concentrated in Zurich Marathon and shortly after, we talked about it again. My answer was yes, I go for the Domleschger-Lauf . A 14k between asphalt and trail, hilly hard course and 5kg on my back seemed to be the perfect challenge.
Fritz gave me many tips, very good and helpful ones and I was super excited for the all new thing.
I was surprised with the running community, named by Fritz as: "we are family". I had never been in such a friendly ambiance in any race. I remember the Winner of the race arriving to me and give me her hand wishing me luck.

The shot went off and I was concentrated in follow the tips. The bag didn't seem that hard to carry but the hills, were worse than I expected, so the last tip: Follow them. I walked when they walked, ran when they ran and arrived at the finish-line with a happy smile. It was my ever first and I enjoyed so much. But the surprises didn't stop. As soon we cross that line, the big spirit of Brotherhood came to show me why they are different. All congratulate everyone, doesn't matter who, if they are new or veterans. That was what I was looking for in every marathon and I didn't find it. After our snacks, the ranking was known and I was surprised for a 2nd place (age-group) . It was the cherry in the top of the cake. The perfect start for a new modality.
I felt me a Baby between the big ones, They are fast, mental and physically strong, they are unstoppable and I am truly inspired by them. I wanna learn with them and give me to the sport as well.
For more than I try to put in words the feelings, I can't. It was intensive, magical and such an amazing  experience which became for me unique, unexplainable. Just who lives it can understand what I felt without use words.

Hoplitodromia says you something? It was part of the Ancient Olympic Games where the participants had to wear a heavy armor but Waffenlauf is a Swiss Sport modality founded in the First World War(1916) . The men must wear the swiss military uniform, the gun and a military backpack of 6.5kg. This modality was as long of many years very popular in Switzerland ( more than the running categories ) Women were not allowed to take part of the event until 20 years ago(1997). For women, the gun isn't obligatory and 5kg backpack is the demand. 

When I participated in Frauenfelder 2015 I had no idea about all the story and meaning of the Military Marathon. Frauenfelder is the Crown for the Military Modality. 

It's togetherness, it's community, it's passion and give away. Humanity. 

My forever respect for military runners and a special thanks to Fritz Gast for the opportunity to join them for a day and hopefully the first of many.