Firecracker 5K "Twinkie" Challenge: Not for the calorie conscious

Sixty-eight runners kicked off the 4th of July weekend with a stomach-aching bang during the third annual Firecracker 5K "Twinkie" Challenge July 1 at the Fort Myer Fitness Center.

Service members representing all military branches and a handful of civilian guests participated in the fourth run in the 2016 JBM-HH Commander's Race Series.

"This event merges healthy living and camaraderie with something different--a little craziness," said Todd Hopkins, recreational specialist and special events coordinator with Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation. "I have heard that some runners have vomited afterwards, but it's all in good fun."

"This goes against everything fitness-related," added Lavon Washburn, chief of sports, fitness and aquatics. "But it's another great opportunity for people to be physically active outside."

Runners were required to complete 3.2 miles (5K) while consuming 6 Twinkies (780 calories) at the half-way mark. Some runners noticeably fared worse than others during the duration of the race.

Participants like Melissa Judy, spouse of U.S. Army Maj. Jonathan Judy, who told the Pentagram she's an avid runner with a sweet tooth so the race was much easier for her, particularly on a "cheat day." Judy was joined by her friend Joellen Leavelle, who ran--and dressed--as a team in honor of Leavelle's birthday.

"We run together all the time so I thought, 'What could be a better gift than a really fun birthday run?'" Judy said.

"This was a great teambuilding event to kick off the holiday weekend," said U.S. Navy Cmdr. Nathan Vandewark who also ran with a team. "But I can honestly say this is the first time I've ever had to eat and run in the same race--and thankfully though no one on my team vomited."

The 5K was bitter sweet for one runner: JBM-HH Command Sgt. Maj. Randall E. Woods said this is likely the last race he will participate in before he heads to Fort Bragg, an Army installation in Fayetteville, North Carolina, next month. Woods said he's as an avid proponent for physical fitness; he's only missed one JBM-HH Commander's Race Series race during his tenure.

"It's important for people to exercise as much as they can," Woods said. "I'm a firm believer in the Performance Triad--good exercise, diet and sleep--will benefit you in the long run."

Race results included: First place runners in the men's, women's and youth overall categories were Nick Wong with a time of 20:14, Jennifer Binghan with a time of 30:51, and Quinn Plummer with a time of 23:27, respectively.

Pentagram Staff Writer Arthur Mondale can be reached at awright@dcmilitary.com.