FORT BENNING, GA - It was much like the movies- Forrest Gump was running again, and there was nothing stopping him.
However, it was a look-alike who ran Saturday morning with Fort Benning Soldiers and family members participating in the third postwide 5K run.
With his extra-long beard and running shorts, SFC Aaron Totten-Lancaster, who was one of about five costumed runners, crossed the finish line first in 16:44. Totten-Lancaster, of 75th Ranger Regiment, said he just couldn't resist the opportunity to combine Halloween tradition with physical training.
The runs, which are typically the last weekend of each month, were implemented in August.
"I see it as a two-fold mission," said CSM Earl Rice, post command sergeant major. "First and foremost, it's to maintain a healthy force around here. People who regularly conduct physical fitness exercises spend less time in the clinics and the hospital. It (also) brings the community together."
Fort Benning Commander MG Michael Ferriter and Rice ran alongside spouses with their strollers and Soldiers with their dogs during Saturday's run. Participants can run, jog or walk and are encouraged to bring their children.
Like Saturday's costume run, which was coordinated by the 192nd Infantry Brigade, each month features a different theme.
Despite the impending rain, which began to fall shortly after the final runners returned to the start, there were double the number of runners this month than the two previous months, said COL Terrence McKenrick, 192nd Infantry Brigade commander.
McKenrick said 131 runners participated and the costumes made the event more fun.
Fun was what Jason Nachowicz had in mind when he arrived dressed in neon '80s wear.
He said running justified the extra candy he had planned for the evening.
"This run (was) just for fun," the Maneuver Captain Career Course student said. "It (was) for the fellowship of it all."
Diego Cuellar, a cadet from El Salvador, finished second at 17:15.
The next run will be hosted by the Ranger Training Brigade on Nov. 28. Participants will meet at Doughboy Stadium at 7:45 a.m. The run begins at 8 a.m.
For more information, call 706-527-2275.
Tentative list of upcoming 5K runs:
November 28 Thanksgiving Trot, Host: RTB
December 19 Holiday Hustle, Host: 199th IN BDE
January 30 Resolution Run, Host: MEDACC
February 27 Winter Dash, Host:NCOA
March 27 5K RUN, Host: WHINSEC
April 24 Spring Rush, Host: 197th In BDE
May 22 Memorial Race, Host: 198th IN BDE
June 26 Burn the Boss, Host: 75th RGR
July 31 Independence Day Run, Host: 192th IN BDE
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