MARINE CORPS BASE HAWAII -- The Nuupia Ponds Fun Run Aug. 28, 2013 was the big finale of the 101 Days of Summer program, which encourages units to live safe, drug-free lifestyles.
Marines and sailors competed for points in the summertime competition, with the winners earning prizes for their unit. For maximum points, units could have two formations consisting of 20 people. Units brought their guidons with drug awareness slogans on them to help support and make their presence known. The run is the last event in the season to earn points for the competition.
“We traditionally open and end the 101 Days of Summer event with this pond run,” said Neil Morgan, Health Promotion Office coordinator for Marine Corps Base Hawaii. “The turnout was quite low compared to the opening race.”
Approximately 100 people raced Aug. 28. Although 500 participated during the opening run, some racers said the Wednesday race was about having some fun.
“Our staff sergeant paid for all of us to participate so a big thanks to him for allowing us to participate and work as a team on this motivating fun run,” said Kazeviyon Felton, finance technician for Headquarters Battalion. “Believe in yourself and keep running! Errr!”
Runners were ready to step off in the mild morning air at 7 a.m. They ran the entire Nuupia Pond which was approximately four miles.
“My unit ran to gain points and to build unit cohesion,” said Justus Boring, first race finisher and air traffic control radar technician for Marine Corps Air Station Kaneohe Bay. “I know the time doesn’t matter but it feels good to put out and finish the race first.”
Units ran through the finish line of cones and a pace clock. The race wasn’t timed for a winner, but runners could track their times. Semper Fit had tents set up with drinks and snacks for race competitors.
This year Semper Fit and the Substance Abuse Counseling Center featured fun runs, races, swim meets and other short sports tournaments. The top three units with the most points at the end will earn money for their unit fund. The unit with the most points will earn $750, second place will earn $500 and third place will earn $250.
The top three units will not be known until all the points have been added up and calculated. Once all points are added up, the winning units will be contacted.