MARINE CORPS AIR STATION BEAUFORT, S.C. -- Runners wearing a diversity of physical training gear jumped and stretched, to stay warm while preparing for the fourth quarterly road race.
As the clock began, participants took off at their own pace or ran in formation to celebrate the holiday season with the Jingle Bell Run aboard the Air Station, Dec. 11.
The Jingle Bell Run is the last quarterly road race for the year. The three-mile race started near the Air Station’s softball field, continued down to the Log Cabin and ended at the fitness center.
The Jingle Bell Run was scheduled before the holidays so everyone could have a chance to partake in it, according to Bill Brown, the athletic director for the Air Station and Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island.
“I participated in this race because I enjoy running and it’s nice to get out of the usual day-to-day activities,” said Cpl. Jessica Branham, the overall first-place female for the run.
About 70 runners participated in the road race. Individuals and small formations of Marines, sailors and family members competed in the race for trophies.
“This was my first race here,” Branham said. “It was motivating to see everyone sacrifice their time to participate in this activity and celebrate the holiday spirit by wearing jingle bells.”
This year, the Marine Corps Order changed. Now Marines are required to do one physical fitness test and one combat fitness test a calendar year. Since Marines are only required to do one PFT a year, run-times could drop without even noticing.
“These quarterly road races can show Marines where their runtime is and be a wake-up call if they need to improve,” Branham said.
Trophies were awarded to the best runners of each age group, the best overall runner for males and females and one to the most determined participant.
“The trophies brought out the competitive spirit because they offered opportunities for each category to take home an award,” Brown said.
At the end of this race, the participants ran to the fitness center, checked their times, received a card that noted what number they were, then each participant walked inside and enjoyed the free fruit and water that was offered.
“I just want to thank the commands and Marines who came out and participated in this race, we look forward to future races,” Brown said.
For more information or to register for future races, call Bill Brown at 228-1560 or visit the Web site at www.mccssc.com.
Participants from Combat Logistics Company 23 gather at the fitness center aboard the Air Station after running the three-mile Jingle Bell Run, Dec. 11. Combat Logistics Company 23 was the only squadron that had a formation run during the fourth quarterly road race.