Approximately 185 participants ran the 7th Annual Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall Turkey Trot 5K Race Nov. 13.
This year's race, held on the Henderson Hall portion of JBM-HH, featured six categories of men, women and children, and for the first time, a squad completion - a new category to bring recognition to the Great American Smokeout.
The annual smokeout is Nov. 19 and is a day the American Cancer Society designates for tobacco users to quit smoking.
The squad competition featured teams of four, each carrying a 20-pound medicine ball throughout the race. The official rules of the race required that squads carry the medicine ball in a litter, poncho or tarp.
Additionally, all four squad members were required to remain in contact with the medicine ball while they were in motion. Also, the medicine ball could not touch the pavement during the race or the offending squad would be disqualified.
According to organizers, the purpose of the squad competition was two-fold:
"The medicine ball is 20 pounds, so it simulates an average size turkey, and secondly, the 20 pounds represents how difficult it would be to run if you were a smoker," said Marine Corps Community Services Marketing Officer Doriann Gellar.
Standing on the sidelines, JBM-HH representatives provided give-a-ways and brochures about healthy living and available programs. One common theme among the professionals handing out information was coping with stress, a common issue Soldiers and Marines must deal with, according to on-site experts. Stress management and installation services are available to break the tobacco habit.
"Exercise, meditate, yoga, watch your nutrition - that can aid us in quitting smoking and choosing other alternative. We take a holistic perspective in serving our clients," said Katie Groseclose of Henderson Hall Family Advocacy Prevention and Education.
Medals were awarded to the first, second and third place top male and female runners. And the sole four person team to participate in the 5K walked away with a $35 gift card for a turkey and other prizes. Squad captain, U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Shane Cooley, said he and his teammates wanted to win in the squad category, not for themselves, but to benefit a family in need this Thanksgiving.
"We wanted to take advantage of the free turkey and give it to one of our Marine's that's in need," Cooley said. "We have Marines out there that are not as affluent as others that are struggling for money this time of year, so the officers decided we would run the race and if we won we would give this to one of our junior Marines."
Thanksgiving Day officially kicks off the beginning of the holiday shopping season, and in the spirit of spreading holiday shopping cheer, Cooley offers this suggestion: "We always give gifts to people who want, but there are people out there who are in need," he said.
Results from the race: First place runners in the men and womens' overall category were Antonio Eppolito, with a time of 17:47, and Yuko Whitestone, with a time of 21:16.
Second place runners in the men and womens' overall category were Magnus Solheim, with a time of 18:16, and Cheryl Lauer, with a time of 24:04.
Third place runners in the men and womens' overall category were Jason Deichler, with a time of 18:20, and Marisol Walker, with a time of 24:45.
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