JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska—Military members and their families participated in the Pet Fun Run on Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson, May 3, 2014.
The Pet Fun Run is an opportunity for military members and their families to run a 5k race with their pets. More than 25 military members and their families participated in this year’s run.
“We have been running this fun run for 17 years,” said Tom Lawson, 673d JBER-Elmendorf Fitness Center manager. “We wanted something active for people to do with their dogs for May’s fitness month, and we came up with something that we knew everyone would like to do: run with their pets.”
The first participant to cross the finish line of the recreational race was Spc. Michael Cuneo, 1st Battalion (Airborne), 501st Infantry Regiment, with a time of 21 minutes.
“This was a really fun race, I enjoyed running with my dog a lot,” Cuneo said.
As part of May’s physical fitness month, the run is one of many events the Elmendorf fitness center hosts, which are intended to entertain military members and their families.
“I definitely recommend anyone to get out here and participate in this run with their pets,” Cuneo said. “These events benefit yourself and your pet physically.”
T-shirts, water and dog biscuits were handed out to runners and dogs participating at the event.
All running events hosted by the fitness centers on JBER are open to all service members, Department of Defense civilians and their families.
For more information about future events like the Pet Fun Run, contact the Elmendorf Fitness Center, 552-5353, or the Buckner Physical Fitness Center, 384-1308.