Despite the gloomy, overcast day, more than 50 station residents came out for the 2010 Run on the Green sponsored by Marine Corps Community Service at Torii Pines golf course here March 13.
Nearing 8:30 a.m., a sparse showing cast doubt on if the event would happen or not, but as the rain slowed, more competitors arrived to carry on the yearly tradition.
“We love this; this is one of our favorite events of Iwakuni,” said Mindy Nelson, race competitor.
The Nelson’s have been attending the race for four years now, and a little rain shower didn’t keep them away this year.
To challenge the station’s youth, MCCS marked out a 2.5K course for them to run.
The adults ran the same course, but twice to make their 5K race.
As in years past, a leprechaun was on-hand to brighten up the festivities with some classic dance moves.
Although the race was all in good fun, there is nothing wrong with a little friendly competition.
Teran Robinson sported the fastest 5K run time at 18 minutes and 22 seconds.
“I guess it’s a sense of freedom because it’s unlike any other sport,” said Robinson. “Running is self-driven more than anything else.”
Robinson’s eventual goal is an ultra-marathon of 112 miles.
Sonia Walters edged out most males and also took first in the female 5K division with a time of 21 minutes and 51 seconds.
Hunter Byers took top honors in the 2.5K with a time of 11 minutes and 13 seconds.
For the female 2.5K, Maria Calderon took first with a time of 14 minutes and 44 seconds.
“It’s nice that everybody came out here to participate even on a gloomy day like this,” said Adrian Figueroa, second place finisher in his age group. “You can tell the personnel here in Iwakuni love to run and stay in shape.”
Figueroa said he was pleased with his performance considering the ages of his competitors.