Firecracker 5K start Independence Day celebrations early

Published July 3, 2012
By 2nd Lt. David J. Murphy
Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst Public Affairs

JOINT BASE MCGUIRE-DIX-LAKEHURST, N.J. -- Service members began celebrating the Fourth of July early with the Firecracker 5K June 28 here
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The event, which was organized by the 87th Force Support Squadron, began at Infantry Park and continued around Doughboy Field.

"The significance of this event is to honor the birth of our country and to remember all those who have contributed to defending our freedoms," said event organizer Julie Yuhas, fitness and sports specialist for the 87th FSS. "Our goals are to increase morale, camaraderie and fitness across all branches assigned to Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst."

This is the tenth year of the event and it garnered its highest participation with 76 runners from each branch of service.

The first place men's finisher, with a time of 18:52, was Army 1st Lt. John Graham, a chaplain candidate with ASA-Dix working out of Soldier's Chapel.

"I was a runner and I try to stay in shape so I can keep up with the Soldiers I work with," said Graham.

Making 10-meter running drills with high knees and butt kicks part of every workout will help people get better as runners, said Graham.

Cadet 3rd Class Kate Brien, a political science major with the U.S. Air Force Academy, and self-proclaimed "military brat," finished first in the female division with a time of 21:50.

Second place finishers included Army Lt. Col. Bradford Deel, an intermediate level education instructor with the 10th Battalion, 80th Regiment, for the men with a time of 19:05; and Air Force Lt. Col. Mary Bodner, a KC-135 Pilot with the 108th Wing, for the women with a time of 23:07.

First and second place winners in both categories received prize packages.

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Firecracker 5K Start Independence Day celebrations early