Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Hosts Mud Run

rom Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story Public Affairs
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. (NNS) -- More than 2,500 runners of all ages participated in the 10th annual Armed Services (AS) YMCA 8K Mud Run Aug. 7 at Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story.

The family-oriented event has become a signature event for the ASYMCA, a nonprofit organization serving junior military families throughout Hampton Roads. Proceeds from the Mud Run help the ASYMCA provide junior military families childcare, child development and spouse support activities.

"What a great event," said Bob Duetsch, director of the Hampton Roads ASYMCA. "We had great weather and a great turnout, a record number of runners. I couldn't ask for anything more."

Each year, the ASYMCA provides adult runners an eight kilometer course to complete and a challenging Mini-Mud Run for children aged 5-12.

"This was our second time participating in the run. It's something we can do as a family," said Tim O'Rourke, vice president of Academic Affairs, Virginia Wesleyan College, who ran the course with his two daughters and son-in-law. "Also, it's nice to be able to get on base. I'm proud to be associated with our service members."

O'Rourke also said running on the sand proved more difficult than running in the mud, and added he was happy to support this event.

Team participant Walter Grey, an ambulance dispatcher for Medical Transport who rounded up four of his friends to participate as a team, said he would take part in the event next year.

"Everyone was great that we tripped over, or who tripped over us," he said. "It was especially great to see all the kids participating."

Duetsch said support from JEBLCFS cemented the event's success, citing numerous commands as integral to the run.

"We could not do this if it was not for the excellent support we get from the Joint Expeditionary Base Little Creek-Fort Story leadership," Duetsch said. "I especially like to thank EO1 Bryan Steele and the entire Amphibious Construction Battalion 202 for their exceptional support for making the Mud Run such a success."

Duetsch also said volunteer efforts were also appreciated, and contributed to the overall success of the race.

"I also want to thank the hundreds of volunteers who help with set up, race operations, break down and clean up," he said. "They all help make this event a huge success for us which allows us to provide the programs that support our junior military families."