JAF community bonds through 'Easter' fun run

Courtesy Photo | Runners begin the 6k run conducted April 15 at Jalalabad Airfield. (Photo by Army Sgt. Amber Robinson)  

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, AFGHANISTAN

04.17.2007

Courtesy Story

Combined Joint Task Force - 82 PAO

JALALABAD AIRFIELD, Afghanistan — Personnel stationed here Airfield gathered to put running shoes to the local run route and build cohesion and morale during a six-kilometer fun run hosted by Morale, Welfare and Recreation April 15.

The run was originally scheduled for Easter, but subsequently rescheduled for the following Sunday.

Thirty-three participants took off from the starting line at 7 a.m. local time. The race featured runners and walkers.

"Even though these fun runs are sponsored by MWR and people thank me for coordinating the events, the truth of the matter is these events are for and about the people that come out to participate," said Danny Sutton, MWR coordinator for "Area North."

The focus of the race was largely the bonding experience for all the participants who ran.

"It's such a good idea that we have a run every holiday," said Spc. Erika Cheney, a mental health specialist for 710th Brigade Support Battalion. "I don't ever really get to spend much down time with my co-workers because we are always working. It was nice to be able to have some time to bond with them and spend quality time out of work."

Although several of the race participants competed to "place" within their age groups, the majority of the runners took the opportunity to just have fun.

No actual race tape was available for the winner to break, so the innovative solution was toilet paper. As each race participant crossed the finish line, a new strand of toilet paper was stretched for them to break. Many feigned dramatic finishes. Some turned backwards and others hopped across the finish line. Comical antics, smiles and laughter filled the hot Afghan morning.

Late finishers were valiantly retrieved in true Army style.

"Let's go get 'em troops!" shouted Army 1st Sgt. Danny Darroch, first sergeant for "Charlie Med," 710th BSB.

Soldiers from 710th BSB were out in full force, many charging back onto the sweltering race route to cheer the last participants on their way to breaking through their own special strand of finishing toilet paper.

Three medals were available in each age division. Race participants could win gold, silver and bronze medals. All racers and volunteers also received a T-shirt donated by the Spartan Chaplain, Army Maj. Charlie Reynolds.

The run marked the third track event hosted here during the Task Force Spartan rotation in Afghanistan. It was the second run MWR has hosted since Spartan headquarters and support elements moved to JAF in the aftermath of the brigade's four-month extension in-country in January.

• Date Taken: 04.17.2007
• Date Posted: 04.17.2007 07:53
• Story ID: 9960
• Location: JALALABAD AIRFIELD, AF