MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Overcast skies and cool temperatures didn’t stop service members, Department of Defense employees and retired military personnel from participating in the Marine Corps Community Services’ 5K Liberty Fun Run aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Lejeune, Nov. 4.
The run was held in honor of the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day, which are celebrated Nov. 10 and Nov. 11, respectively.
“We want to celebrate Marine Corps traditions and the 235th birthday of the few and the proud,” said Heidi Fraley, a recreation attendant with MCCS and the race coordinator. “Additionally, we want to honor all the veterans who have served our great nation.”
The participants ran the three-mile course along Camp Lejeune’s main road, Holcomb Boulevard. The event was free, and all athletes received T-shirts and bags after they crossed the finish line.
Fraley said the five-kilometer run was a good way to get some exercise and celebrate the upcoming occasions.
Fraley went on to say the run provided a good opportunity for active-duty service members to interact with veterans who served in the Marine Corps years ago. Retired Sgt. Maj. Domenick Irrera, retired Lt. Col. Jim Rider and retired Capt. John Germain, the deputy operations officer with II Marine Expeditionary Force, who make regular appearances at these events, once again showed up in running attire and smiles.
Cpl. Antwane Tolbert, an electro-optical ordnance repairman with 2nd Tank Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, said it was fun to participate in a recreational event that recognized the military and its many contributions.
“It was nice to be out to support the Marine Corps birthday and Veterans Day today,” said Tolbert.
Tolbert added that it was an honor for him to be part of the Marine Corps’ legacy and history.
“It’s good that the Marine Corps keeps up its traditions, and we can celebrate the birth of our Corps and its foundations,” said Tolbert. “Being a Marine, it’s also nice to celebrate Veterans Day and be able to show appreciation to those who gave their lives before us in support of our country.”
MCCS’ next 5K Liberty Fun Run is scheduled for Nov. 17, in honor of the Thanksgiving holiday.
For more information about the 5K Liberty Fun Runs, call (910) 451-5430 or 451-0092.