Exercise, challenge and camaraderie were just a few of the things the Combat Medic Run offered participants May 6, at Raymond W. Bliss Army Health Center on Fort Huachuca.
The event, which offered two courses, a 5K and a 10K, drew in 192 participants. Participants were a mix of active-duty, DoD civilians, family members and retirees. Both courses began and ended at the health center.
Strong winds made the 10K course (up Heritage Hill) even more challenging, but participants charged on.
Pfc. Jeremiah King, who is assigned to Bravo Company, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion, took first place in the 5K.
King arrived here two weeks ago from basic training. He chose to participate because many other Soldiers from his battalion were, and for one additional reason.
"My drill sergeant was a combat medic so this is kind of a way of supporting her because she supported me," King said.
Bravo Company's 305th Military Intelligence Battalion guidon team won bragging rights as well, placing first in the 10K run.
The 305th Military Intelligence Battalion was a great supporter of the run, with an estimated 80 soldiers participating, according to Capt. Donnie Ellis, commander of Bravo Company, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion.
Ellis brought along his son, Kaleb Ellis, age 12, who won first place in his age category. Kaleb ran the 10K with a time of 47 minutes. Kaleb said he runs cross country track for Colonel Smith Middle School.
"It was pretty tough, but fun, because it was challenging," Kaleb said.
The first place winner of the 10K, Maj. Nicholes Dembinski, of the Fort Huachuca Office of Staff Judge Advocate, said since he is a former combat medic, the run had special significance to him.
"Since I am retiring from the Army this month, this race was especially sentimental to me," Dembinski said. "It brings me back to my medic and enlisted roots in the Army."
In addition to individual runners, seven guidon teams participated.
Capt. John Bryan Serrano, clinical nurse officer in charge of the Military Intelligence Student Clinic, said he enjoys the team concept.
"When you're running with the team, you motivate each other," Serrano said. "It's like being in the battlefield and working with the team, and we're stronger together as a unit."
Another group that worked as a team were participants from RWBAHC's Move Towards Health program.
Move Towards Health is a four-month health promotion program that educates and inspires its participants to meet their health and fitness goals, which often include weight loss. It is open to all RWBAHC beneficiaries.
Move Towards Health's coordinator, Katie Brewer, said she was very proud of her group's accomplishments.
"Completing a 5K or 10K is a great accomplishment and there is a sense of camaraderie that develops from taking part in activities like this together," Brewer said.
The run wouldn't have been possible though, without the team of 35 volunteers that helped make it happen, according to CPT Hanna Betts, one of the event's organizers.
"The volunteers are essential to setup, making sure all behind the scenes work is orchestrating and functioning to make a smooth event for all participants," Betts said. "It's key that we have volunteers who are motivated and excited about helping."
Winners and run times for 10K and 5K:
10K:
Top Male:
Maj. Nicholes Dembinski (44:20)
Top Female
Capt. Christina Sutton (50:00)
Top Guidon:
Bravo Company, 305th Military Intelligence Battalion (44:15)
5K:
Top Male:
Pfc. Jeremiah King (18:17)
Top Female:
Katie Brewer (21:20)
Social Sharing