Eight time US Army Ten Miler competitor teams up with rookie for big race

Back to U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa

VICENZA, Italy - Under a moonlit sky, two lone soldiers run side-by-side, their breath rising in misty clouds through the crisp morning air. For most, two miles worth of 400-meter sprints would conclude the running portion of their workout. However, this duo trains with ten more miles in their future.

The 40th annual U.S. Army Ten-Miler will take place on Oct. 13, 2024, in Washington, D.C., featuring teams and individuals from across the Army. This year, Capt. Jessica Knoll and 2nd Lt. David "Alex" Fiorillo will represent Italy on the U.S. Army Europe and Africa team at the historic race.

"Every time I go to D.C., I call it my 'Army family reunion' because I see at least 10 people I either ran with or know from other installations," Knoll said. "My family goes every year to support me, especially when I've been stationed outside the U.S."

For Knoll, this year marks her eighth Army Ten-Miler, the fourth she has traveled to while based overseas.

Knoll runs this year's race as the commander of Charlie Company, Brigade Support Battalion, 173rd Airborne Brigade. The previous two years, she represented U.S. Army Southern European Task Force, Africa (SETAF-AF). In 2015, she flew to D.C. all the way from South Korea as a member of the Eighth Army racing team.

"The Ten-Miler has been the one piece of continuity I've held onto throughout my Army career," she said. "Wherever I'm stationed, I always call the Morale, Welfare and Recreation office asking about tryouts and local running events."

Whereas Knoll is a veteran to the event, her teammate will be running in his first-ever Army Ten-Miler.

Fiorillo is a platoon leader with Charlie Battery, 1st Battalion, 57th Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 52nd Air Defense Artillery Brigade, and views the Ten-Miler as more than just a competition. He sees the race as a stepping-stone toward broader aspirations.

"I decided to run the Ten-Miler because I see it as an opportunity to expand my potential and bring me to the next level," he said. "Racing against the Army's best, including the World Class Athlete Program (WCAP), has always been my dream. I want to reach my full human potential and see my limits."

Fiorillo says the race is also a test of leadership. He sees it as an opportunity to lead by example, demonstrating how to tackle challenges.

"As a leader, I need to take challenges head-on to inspire my subordinates, compete with my peers, and show my supervisors that I can overcome adversity to accomplish the mission," he said.

Both Knoll and Fiorillo tally over 40 miles each week, with a mix of shorter speed runs and at least one longer distance run of over 12 miles. They also mix in strength training, as well as high intensity interval training, stretching, proper nutrition and recovery.

On race day, they will approach the starting line with different emotions.

"There are generally two feelings I have on race day: excitement, knowing that I'm as prepared as I can be, or nervousness," said Fiorillo. "I've had races where I felt amazing at the start, but it turned out to be my worst race. On the flip side, I've had races where I felt terrible but ended up running a personal best."

Knoll looks forward to the race-day surroundings; but for now, her focus is squarely on the finish line.

"When people talk about taking in all the sights and sounds, I can never relate," said Knoll. "But one thing is for sure, whether I'm representing the 173rd Airborne, SETAF-AF or U.S. Army Europe and Africa, I'm very grateful to be there and it's an honor to run the Ten-Miler."

As race day approaches, both Knoll and Fiorillo are focused on giving their best. Their dedication to the Army Ten-Miler represents not just a personal achievement, but also the spirit of Army excellence.

"I will show up ready to give it my all and see where the cards fall," said Fiorillo. "The unknown is the reason for the excitement because it's always possible something special can happen."

About SETAF-AF

SETAF-AF provides U.S. Africa Command and U.S. Army Europe and Africa a dedicated headquarters to synchronize Army activities in Africa and scalable crisis-response options in Africa and Europe.

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