A year of 5K races kicks off this weekend

By Wallace McBride, Fort Jackson LeaderJanuary 17, 2014

run1
1 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL
run2
2 / 2 Show Caption + Hide Caption – (Photo Credit: U.S. Army) VIEW ORIGINAL

FORT JACKSON, S.C. -- Fort Jackson has scheduled a year's worth of 5K races to help you get fit -- and stay fit -- in 2014.

At least one 5K event per month is scheduled to take place on Fort Jackson throughout the year, with the first slated for this weekend. The year got off to a rocky start when the first scheduled run was postponed because of inclement weather. The event is now set to begin at 8 a.m., Saturday, at Semmes Lake.

Runners and walkers are encouraged to arrive between 6:30 and 7:30 a.m. for registration, said Cindi Keene, Fort Jackson Sports Coordinator. Participants can also register before race day by calling the sports office at 751-3096.

This weekend's race is the first of 12 scheduled to take place on post in 2014.

"(The runs) draw a lot of families, as well as people who don't necessarily do a lot of walking," Keene said. "These races encourage them to get out and get a little exercise once a month, at least."

The races are also used by runners who are training for other events, she said.

"Plus, we find people enjoy doing it once a month because they're starting to lose weight and like the physical activity," Keene said. "Our runs have increased substantially month to month. We're averaging about 200 to 250 people per race."

Last year's most popular race was December's "Jingle Bell Run," which attracted more than 400 people. The races have become popular enough for the installation to consider creating an online registration platform for future events.

Though a launch date has not been announced, Keene said online registration will become available later in the year.

Holidays also play an important role on many of the monthly races. Organizers will also be moving race locations periodically, to add more diversity to the program. Whereas this month's 5K takes place at Semmes Lake, February's "President's Run" is scheduled to take place on an all-terrain course, starting at Firebreak Road.

The "St. Patrick's Day Run" in March will see the race begin again at Semmes Lake, but lead through the pecan orchard behind Marion Street.

"Water points will be established on the courses," she said. "All you need to bring is a pair of shoes ... and a jacket, if it's cold."