5K Run Helps Kick Off Centennial of Naval Events in San Diego

By Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Christopher Farrington, Navy Public Affairs Support Element West

CORONADO, Calif. (NNS) -- More 650 participants put on their running gear and took part in the Centennial of Naval Aviation (CoNA) 5K Beach Run Feb. 9 on board Naval Air Station North Island (NASNI).

Commander, Navy Region Southwest's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) program sponsored the event to help recognize the CoNA and raise awareness for the upcoming celebration at NASNI.

"These kinds of things are always a morale booster so I'm glad to have been able to coordinate the event," said Thor Dekker, the NASNI MWR fitness coordinator. "It feels great to have so many people come out and celebrate something as historic as the 100 year anniversary of Naval Aviation."

According to Dekker, the 5K was open to all service members and other authorized MWR patrons. Runners had to complete a two-lap course in the sand along Breaker's Beach at NASNI.

Dekker said very runner received a free t-shirt upon registration. First place male and female runners received a commemorative coin and two passes to Universal Studios theme park.

"We did a 5K back in July that had about 200 people come out to participate," said Dekker. "But I had no idea more than 650 people would come out to celebrate the Centennial of Naval Aviation."

Commemorating 100 years of progress and achievement in naval aviation, CoNA is a year-long tribute to the scope of all naval aviation activities, including aircraft, people, ships, innovations and significant milestones.

"One hundred years ago naval aviation was on the heels of the Wright Brothers' first flight at Kitty Hawk," said Rear Admiral Pat McGrath, who leads the CoNA effort. "Here in San Diego, experiments with 'hydroaeroplanes' set the stage for the flying machine to become an integral part of our Navy."

The highlight of San Diego area CoNA events is the Feb. 12 Open House and Parade of Flight at NASNI featuring more than 75 historic aircraft, ship and aircraft carrier tours, static display aircraft, and a classic car show.