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It has been said that if you want to experience something, run a marathon.

Karl Klicker knows what that feels like.

The Marine Corps captain has completed nine Houston marathons.

He ran last year.

And had planned on going the distance for a tenth time this month.

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Only, there was one problem, Capt. Klicker is serving in the war in Iraq, stationed in on of the most dangerous place in the world, Fallujah.

But recently he sent this email to Houston Marathon Race Director Steven Karpas asking if he could run his 26.2 at Camp Fallujah.

Karpas’ answer was absolutely.

Karpas was even more thrilled that Capt. Klicker recruited 49 other soldiers and marines to run with him.

So he’s shipping a box full of marathon finisher items. Everything from the T-shirts to volunteer shirts is being sent.

To the finisher medal soon in Fallujah, there will be a much smaller Houston Marathon but just as long.

“It’s going to be a full legitimate marathon 26.2 miles that they have mapped out and everyone will receive the same goodies that our runners here will receive,” said Karpas.

The boxes to Iraq are going out Thursday.

Houston marathoners will begin their race in the streets of downtown Houston Sunday, January 14 at 7 a.m..

American soliders in Fallujah will also do the same, only on Iraqi time.

So at home, and a world away 6,500 runners will have their eyes on the finish line.