Soldiers and Families Participate in 5k Event

Hundreds of Fort Bragg’s soldiers and family members lined up early Saturday morning for the Fort Bragg 5K Walk/Run at Hendrick Stadium. Saturday, 28 January marked the 16th occurrence of this monthly event.

The first Fort Bragg 5K Walk/Run took place September 2010 with just over 20 participants. Over time, the race has seen as many as 960 participants.  During colder seasons, however, numbers typically drop to around 350.

Steve Johnson, the coordinator for the event, has seen the event grow and how it has helped bring the community closer together with support from sponsors on and off Post.

“It’s really become a community event that’s been well-received,” said Johnson.

Each month, the event has a unit sponsor and a new motto. The sponsor for this month was the 18th Fires Brigade and the motto was: “New Year, New Me!”
Lakisha Lefevers, a first-time participant in the race, was excited to join a friend for the run.

“It’s a new year and I’ve been getting fit and working out so I thought I’d come out and have a good time,” said Lefevers who, along with others, plans to continue to participate each month.

Although there were new faces at the starting line, some have experienced the 5K Walk/Run before. SSG Loren Gernandt lined up to run the event for his fifth time.

“It’s a fun event, it’s not competitive or anything.  People come out to help stay in shape and stay fit,” said Gernandt.

The event is open to all Military and Government ID card holders and family members. Registration is not required and there is no cost to participate.
The next 5K event will take place on February 25.