FORT RUCKER, Ala. (Feb. 9, 2012) -- Hundreds of people came out to Fort Rucker to participate and witness the African American History 5k run in front of Fortenberry-Colton Physical Fitness Facility Feb 4.
Soldiers, Family members and friends came together to enjoy the event, encourage the runners and enjoy the company of all in attendance, according to Kristi Fink, fitness programs manager for Fortenberry-Colton PFF.
The runners gathered on the corner of Fifth Avenue and Shamrock where the race began at 9 a.m., according to the fitness programs manager. From there, the course went on toward Lyster Army Health Clinic where it took the runners past Parcour Lake and around the headquarters building where the runners eventually finished on the route back to the starting point.
"We had 153 people run in the 5k and 50 run in the 1-mile fun run," said Fink. "It's good to have events that encourage fitness that the patrons seem to enjoy."
Debbie Wilson, grandmother of one of the runners, expressed how the event is a time for her to be able to get the Family together and enjoy each other's company.
"We come to support my grandkids and we have a great time," she said. "Running is fabulous and it's great to come out and see friends we haven't seen in a while."
The runners were greeted at the finish line by a crowd encouraging them and volunteers handing them refreshments as they crossed. There was also a table set up where participants could replenish their energy with fruits and beverages, according to Fink.
The top winners of the Feb. 4 race were: Jorge Cruz, top male overall, finishing the race first with a time of 17:41; Dave Durbin, male master, 22:14; Ken McGinity, male grandmaster, 26:07; Rebekah Wottge, top female overall, 22:59; Ann Marie Sutter, female master, 26:47; and Nina Korages, female grandmaster, 29:30, according to the fitness programs manager. There was also a category for top team that went to team Wolfpack.
People from all walks of life are encouraged to participate in the post races and the reasons for taking part are many, according to Fink.
"I am participating in the boot camp program and we made a team to run in the race," said Claudia Green, Army spouse and race participant. "It makes me feel really good to finish the race -- it just feels nice."
Other reasons for participating in the race are to gain a sense of accomplishment, according to Christina Schlosbon, race participant.
"I wanted to see if I could run the race and finish it, and I did," she said. "It makes me feel pretty good that I was able to."
Trophies were awarded to the overall male and female, master male and female, and grandmaster male and female. First place trophies and second and third place medallions were also awarded in different age categories, according to Fink
"I would encourage everyone to come out [to these events]," she said. "You don't even have to run to participate, we have walkers, too."
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