FORT Bragg, N.C.— Approximately 1,400 runners gathered under sunny skies at the Fort Bragg Fairgrounds Saturday morning to participate in the pirate-themed "X Marks the Spot" 5K.
The event on Aug. 15 served as the finale for the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation (DFMWR) annual summer 5K race series.
Amanda Cahill, special event coordinator for Fort Bragg MWR, highlighted the value of hosting community-focused events on the installation.
"It is great to see so many in the community coming out and participating," Cahill said. "We love being able to bring these quality of life and community-wide events to warfighters and their families."
Cahill noted that the pirate-themed event brought together a broad representation of the installation, with active-duty Soldiers, parents, children, and even family pets joining the morning run.
Many runners fully embraced their inner "Jack Sparrow" character, sprinting down the course with their best pirate run.
From tricorn hats and eye patches to inflatable parrot sidekicks, participants of all ages donned creative costumes as they traversed the 3.1-mile course. Upbeat, pirate-themed music filled the air at the start line, fueling the energetic crowd before the final countdown.
Joining the ranks of costumed participants was a familiar installation favorite, Fancy Bear, who made a special appearance participating in the run and posing for photos. The mascot's surprise arrival added an extra layer of excitement for all.
"As a military spouse, I love these run events. It is a chance to get out of the house with the kids and meet up with friends on a Saturday morning," said Lea Alvarez, who participated in the 5K with her two children.
While "X Marks the Spot" concludes MWR’s summer series, runners will not have to wait long for the next event. The community's next opportunity to hit the pavement will be the Neon Night Run on the evening of Sept. 19.
Participants in the upcoming night run will receive a T-shirt and a finisher's medal. Registration is currently open online at bragg.armymwr.com.