Several hundred runners, joggers and walkers, as well as a few canines, gathered at New Post Chapel Sept. 12, for the Fort Sill Marine Corps Artillery Detachment's 22nd Annual Devil Dog Run.

The race offered 10K and 5K courses, and 1-mile fun run, which took the runners through the Academic Heights housing area and various points.

"We really enjoy sponsoring it and putting a little Marine Corps flavor into things at Fort Sill," said race director Marine Capt. Justin Noone, MARDET battery commander. "We're part of the Fort Sill family."

The Devil Dog Run served as a fundraiser for the MARDET to help defray the cost of attending the annual Marine Corps ball for junior Marines.

"The race goes for a good cause so the young Marines can have their first Marine Corps ball at the Patriot Club, and really enjoy themselves without having to incur a significant cost," Noone said.

Jason Dimery was the top finisher in the 5K with a time of 16 min., 52 secs.

"It was a great day to run," said Dimbery, a South Carolina National Guard Soldier here for the Basic Office Leader Course. "The weather was really nice, there was a big crowd and it was a great course."

Marine Col. Wayne Harrison, MARDET commander, welcomed the runners and he encouraged them to have a safe, fun run. He began the races by telling the runners to: "Warm your engines."

With a motivating 105mm howitzer blast provided by B Battery, 2nd Battalion, 2nd Field Artillery "Salute Battery," the 10K runners were the first off. Fifteen minutes later, the cannon fired again for the 5k runners, and later for the fun run.

By hosting the run, the MARDET makes its presence known here, Harrison said.

"We're surrounded by a sea of Army, so sometimes we have to remind people that Marines are here and this is a great venue to do that," the colonel said.

Mitzi Boyd and her husband, Bob, along with their dog, made the 75-minute drive from Elmore City, Okla. for the run. This was the third consecutive year Mitzi participated in the 5K.

"Fort Sill is our favorite place to run," she said. "It's such a pleasant atmosphere, and the race is always well run, and people are so nice."

Virtually every Marine at the MARDET, whether staff or a student, was involved in the run as a volunteer or running in it, Noone said. Marines served as road guards at the major intersections, safety monitors and provided drinks at water points.

Fort Sill Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation Sports Supervisor Terry Hall said about 600 runners preregistered for the race. About another 100 runners signed up on site, which delayed the start by about 15 minutes so everyone who showed up could run.

Army units and organizations assisted with the run, including medics ready to provide emergency care, and the Directorate of Emergency Services, who closed a portion of Fort Sill Boulevard for the runners, Hall said.

Hall added numerous sponsors helped make the Devil Dog Run possible including Corvias Military Living, USAA, FirstCommand, Fort Sill Credit Union, U.S. Patriot, Total Nutrition, Town Square Media Lawton, Liquid Ice Energy Drink, Jimmy Cleveland Toyota and Country Mart, which provided fruits and water for the competitors.

Thomas Condry, Wayland Baptist University Fort Sill site coordinator, manned a booth at the run. He provided information Wayland's master of arts in counseling program offered at the Army Education Center here.

"We sponsor all the fun runs at Fort Sill, including the Diamond Brigade Run and the Run for the Fallen," Condry said.

Many organizations ran as teams in the 5K and 10K events, including Cameron University and Ulysses S. Grant High School from Oklahoma City, Hall said.

Retired Marine Master Sgt. Howard Moore brought 55 Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps candidates from Grant High to the run. It something the school has been doing for four years, he said.

"I want them to be emerged in Marine culture, and it's positive for the kids and good for morale," said Moore, a Grant High teacher and a former operations chief at the MARDET.

While here the students also take advantage of other sites on post including its museums, as well as going to the Wichita Mountains Wildlife Refuge, he said.

Cesar Cowo, Grant High sophomore, said he ran in last year's Devil Dog Run.

"It's really motivating," said Cowo, whose MCJROTC rank is lance corporal. "The cadets learn how fun it is and want to get involved in it."

MARDET [command] Sgt. Maj. Keith Coombs, said the turn-out was wonderful.

"We're very appreciative of everyone coming to support the run -- the civilian community, the Army, everyone," he said. "It's all about coming in, that's what we cherish as a community."

For race results, visit www.dgroadracing.com.