Marines ring in new year with 5k run in Afghanistan

Photo By Sgt. Shannon Yount | A Marine takes the lead during a 5 kilometer fun run at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 1. More than 750 service members and civilians brought in the New Year by participating in this event at the stork o’midnight.  

CAMP LEATHERNECK, AFGHANISTAN

01.04.2011

Story by Lance Cpl. Shannon Yount 

1st Marine Logistics Group

CAMP LEATHERNECK, Afghanistan – More than 750 service members and civilian contractors took part in the New Year’s 5k race at Camp Leatherneck, Afghanistan, Jan. 1.

Participants gathered together to start the race and celebrate the New Year with friends and fellow service members. The run started at the stroke of midnight.

“I had a great time. It was worth missing a couple of hours of sleep,” said Staff Sgt. Shawn Gray, personnel chief, S-1, Headquarters and Service Company, 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward), who ran with Marines in his unit.

The below-freezing temperatures didn’t stop the runners from having a good time. A few even showed up at the race wearing costumes – one runner wore a “Grinch” costume, while another dressed up as a banana.

“Even though it’s below freezing out here, it was a lot of fun seeing everyone dressed in their costumes; it was great,” said Gray, 38, from Cottonwood, Ariz.

Back in the United States, many folks celebrate by watching the ball drop in New York’s Times Square, but the midnight run was an unusual way to bring in the New Year while deployed in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

“It was a great way to start the New Year,” said Navy Cmdr. Kenneth Wells, physician, Concussion Restoration Care Center, Combat Logistics Regiment 15 (Forward), 1st Marine Logistics Group (Forward).

Wells added that the run was a good way to get some exercise and celebrate the upcoming year, Afghanistan-style.

“We came out and did the race together and finished in good style to bring in 2011,” said Wells, 48, from Woburn, Mass.

• Date Taken: 01.04.2011
• Date Posted: 01.04.2011 23:19
• Story ID: 63020
• Location: CAMP LEATHERNECK, AF