CAMP STANLEY- Soldiers and community members within Warrior Country came out to support the Family Morale, Welfare and Recreation's 5K and 10K run competition May 15 at the Camp Stanley Physical Fitness Center. A 5K equals 3.11 miles and a 10K is 6.2 miles.
After a safety briefing conducted by Randy Behr, Red Cloud Garrison FMWR sports specialist, the runners took off. Most participants said they entered to get their unit points toward the commander's cup, while others just expressed their passion for running.
"I did the full marathon at Casey Garrison April 24 and today I tried to bring out my Soldiers with me because running is something that I have been doing for a while now and I enjoy it a lot," said Michael Bond, who finished first in the 10K race with a time of 39 minutes,10 seconds.
Both the start point and the finish line was in front of the Physical Fitness Center on Stanley. The route designed by the FMWR sports team took the runners around the perimeter of Camp Stanley. After running past the dining facility and some supply holding areas, the participants made a right at the main gate and then followed it up a steep hill located around Reggie's restaurant.
Many runners said the hill gave them difficulties. Melissa Lounsbury, the first women to cross the finish line in the 5K at 24:29 sarcastically said the hill was fun and she's glad that she quit smoking cigarettes a few weeks before the competition.
Once the runners climbed the hill and made their way down past the back gate, they made a left at the 304th Signal Battalion headquarters and sprinted toward the gymnasium and the end of the race. The 10K runners had to complete the course twice.
"It was nice to see all of the Soldiers that came out to the race," Lounsbury said. "I was surprised and motivated by how many people enjoy running 5Ks and 10Ks."
Lounsbury added that she will continue training and will enter in the Red Cloud Garrison 5K fun run the FMWR sports team is holding May 31 for Memorial Day. Casey Garrison will host a 5K run the same day.