Photo By Sgt. 1st Class Sinthia Rosario | Military, dependents and civilians race towards the finish line during the 19th annual...... read more read more
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FORT BLISS, Texas - Soldiers and civilians both young and old participated in the 19th annual German American Oktoberfest Night Run on Saturday at Freedom Crossing, here.
The run kicked off with more than 1,000 participants, who participated in the eight-kilometer race or the five-kilometer fun walk.
The runners were high in spirits during this race. Excited children rode their bikes or scooters and adults with their babies ran with their jogging stroller.
“It’s very nice over here, the crowd and the weather is pretty nice,” said German Senior Master Sgt. Thomas Heller with the German Air Force Air Defense Center. “Last year it was very warm, so this year it’s better.” Heller also stated that he enjoys getting together and meeting new people.
Brandon C. Gangstad, a runner in this event stated that this was a great run. Gangstad also stated that it is always good to have good community relations with the people of El Paso and people from other countries.
Some of the participants had previously been to Germany during their military career and experiencing the German culture here brought fond memories.
Eric Hildreth, co-founder of the German American Run and event organizer stated he spent some time in Germany.
“When the Germans first approached us at the Moral, Welfare and Recreation in reference to possibly having a run and putting on this event, we thought it was a great idea because of the festive activity that I experienced in Germany,” said Hildreth. “So we went ahead and tried it and participation was large right of the start of the event and every year it’s gotten bigger.”
Aside from the run, other pre-race activities were provided during this event.
The 1st Armored Division Band provided highly entertaining music for the public. Children chased each other on the grass, jumped on the bounce houses and danced to the beat of the music.
Traditional German food and beverage were on sale. Then in the evening the German Schuhplattler Dance Group performed their traditional dances.
The First Light Federal Credit Union, the GAFADC, the MWR, and other contributors sponsored this event.
“I think First Light Federal Credit Union does an outstanding job promoting this event and I think it’s a wonderful opportunity to meet the German culture, German folks and enjoy some of their food and drinks,” said U.S. Army Retired Lt. Col. Jaime Barceleau, a board member of First Light Federal Credit Union. “I also think that it’s a great activity for the military community.”
For more information on the German Oktoberfest, held Sept. 14-16, call 915-568-3593.
| Date Taken: | 09.08.2012 |
| Date Posted: | 09.11.2012 18:07 |
| Story ID: | 94536 |
| Location: | FORT BLISS, TX, US |
| Web Views: | 57 |
| Downloads: | 0 |
This work, 2012 German Night Run, by SFC Sinthia Rosario, identified by DVIDS, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
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