Fort Drum 5K run showcases four-legged community members

FORT DRUM, N.Y. (June 12, 2024) -- They say that every dog has its day.

For Fort Drum’s four-legged community members, that was today, as dozens of Soldiers and family members participated in the Sports, Fitness, and Aquatics (SFA) Pet 5K Run and Walk outside Magrath Sports Complex.

“Pets are always welcome at all of our runs, but we host this one every year to showcase them,” said Mike D’Augustino, Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation supervisory recreation assistant. “We know that pets are like family, so this gives people an opportunity to bring them out, introduce them to others in the community, and have a good time.”

Eric Mezquite recently reunited with his pug Pablito following his deployment with 2nd Brigade Combat Team. He said that pugs are not known for cardiovascular endurance, but he tries to keep Pablito active and healthy.

“He’s really young, so he has a lot of energy,” Mezquite said. “We’ve been running two miles at least twice, maybe three times, a week.”

Tyler Reynolds, with 10th Mountain Division Sustainment Brigade, said this was his first time running with his dog Elliot.

“I mostly wanted to run some of his energy out and see how he handles being around other dogs,” he said.

Fort Drum community members can bring their pets for another run or walk when the FMWR staff hosts the Red, White and Blue 5K, at 7 a.m. July 3. The event is free and open to all DoD ID cardholders.

For more information, call (315) 772-6663 or visit https://drum.armymwr.com/calendar.