ALCOAST 120/26 - MAY 2026 28TH ANNUAL TOM'S RUN RELAY

R 041817Z MAY 26   MID320018676838U
FM COMDT COGARD WASHINGTON DC
TO ALCOAST
BT
UNCLAS
ALCOAST 120/26
SSIC 1710
SUBJ: 28TH ANNUAL TOM'S RUN RELAY
A. Military Assignments and Authorized Absences, COMDTINST 1000.8A
1. The Washington, DC Chapter of the Chief Warrant and Warrant
Officers Association (CWOA) hosts the 28th Annual Tom's Run from
29-31 May 2026. Tom's Run is a 200-mile team relay starting in
Cumberland, MD and ending near Mount Vernon, VA. The course proceeds
down the picturesque Chesapeake and Ohio Canal Towpath beside the
Potomac River, along the Washington, DC waterfront, and ends at Fort
Hunt Park, VA. Because of the unique way Tom's Run is organized,
runners not located in the National Capital Region can join Tom's
Run virtually by arranging to run the equivalent of a relay leg in
their location or by building their own remote team. USCG teams from
all over the U.S. and several Coast Guard cutters have participated
remotely. Note, Tom's Run is not a fund-raising event.
2. All Coast Guard active duty, reserve, auxiliary, and civilian
personnel are eligible to participate. The event is also open to
other military services and the general public.
3. Tom's Run honors CWO4 Tom Brooks and his belief in our
Coast Guard community. CWO4 Brooks was diagnosed with Amyotrophic
Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease) in early 1999
and later succumbed to the illness. Tom's Run is unique in that it
is not a competitive race, but rather a team-building event to
promote community, cooperation, and planning. Teams can start
running any time after midnight Saturday 30 May, 0001 hours. For
safety reasons, at least one cyclist must accompany runners. Teams
must use their planning and logistics skills and calculate how to
reach the finish line with the other teams at 1100 on Sunday 31 May.
All teams must be self-sufficient and must be prepared for any
weather, equipment, fatigue, and other challenges during the relay.
4. The deadline for team applications is Wednesday, 13 May 2026.
Team information, forms, course map, and other documents are
available at:
(Copy and Paste URL Below into Browser)

https://tomsrunrelay.org/

Submit all applications to CDR Paul Schurke, USCG (ret) by following
directions on the Tom's Run Relay web site and team application.
Contact Paul Schurke at 703-626-1163 or tomsrunrelay@gmail.com for
more information.
5. In accordance with paragraph 2.A.10 of REF (A), administrative
absence is authorized for active duty, reserve and auxiliary event
participants with command approval. Civilian employees wishing to
participate in this event may request using any available and
applicable leave benefits (e.g. annual leave, accrued compensatory
time off, earned credit hours if available, or leave without pay).
6. RADM Charles E. Fosse, Deputy Commandant for Personnel
(DCP), sends.
7. Internet release is authorized.