Local school teams join Fort Leonard Wood's '5k for Fun'

By Matt Decker, Leonard WoodSeptember 10, 2015

Local school teams join Fort Leonard Wood's '5k for Fun'
(Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT LEONARD WOOD, Mo. (Sept. 10, 2015) -- Fort Leonard Wood's monthly "5k for Fun" series is scheduled to resume Saturday with a 5k walk/run and mini health fair at Davidson Fitness Center.

This time around, participants can run alongside members of the Waynesville High School and Missouri University of Science and Technology cross-country teams, who have been invited to join the race.

"We've talked about doing this with WHS and Missouri S&T for some time," said Col. Andy Herbst, U.S. Army Garrison Fort Leonard Wood commander, who created the 5k for Fun series.

"They both have their seasons going on. We're going to change the route a little bit. It should be a fun time for everyone," Herbst added.

Events begin with a stretching session led by a Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation personal trainer at 7:45 a.m., followed by the 5k walk/run at 8 a.m., and a Kid's Half-Miler scheduled at 9 a.m.

Like previous 5k events in the series, this race is free and open to the public.

Families are encouraged to walk or run with baby strollers, and participants can also run with canine companions on leashes. The first three dogs to cross the finish line at Saturday's race will receive a ribbon.

Herbst founded the "5k for Fun" series last year as a way to promote two Army initiatives: the Army Performance Triad, which stresses healthy activity, nutrition and sleep, and the Soldier for Life Program, which aims to prepare service members for a lifetime of healthy living.

5k events are scheduled the second Saturday of each month, with future events planned for Oct. 10, Nov. 14 and Dec. 13.

For more information, visit fortleonardwoodmwr.com.