NORFOLK (NNS) -- Approximately 500 people chose to bypass the celebratory parties and participate in a healthy alternative on New Year's Eve by running in the inaugural Beat the Ball 5K at Naval Medical Center Portsmouth Dec. 31.
"We wanted to offer a positive alternative to the traditional New Year's Eve festivities," said John Lucas, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads MWR Portsmouth director.
The run began at 11:35 p.m. and consisted of a fast, flat course that traversed the historic grounds of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
"I thought the run was great, and it was a new challenge for me," said Joshua Washington, who competed in two NSA Hampton Roads MWR runs last year. "It's a better way to get healthy for the New Year instead of going out and drinking."
When Lucas first brought the idea to Capt. Charles Melcher, Commanding Officer of NSA Hampton Roads in March, he was very supportive and thought the concept was great and very distinct.
"Spending New Year's Eve getting healthy by running in a 5K? The idea was so unique, and I knew that John and his team would execute it flawlessly," said Melcher.
After receiving the green light from Melcher, Lucas and his team immediately began planning the race. The idea was to see who could finish the 5K run before midnight and the dropping of the celebratory New Year's Eve ball.
"We wanted to ensure that we encouraged all to participate, regardless if they were going to finish before midnight," said Lucas. "But for the runners who finished before the New Year's Eve ball dropped, we had Beat the Ball 5K commemorative champagne flutes for them filled with sparkling cider."
Initially, Lucas was aiming for 300 participants, but MWR completely surpassed that goal.
"The fact that we had about 500 people come out and participate in our very first Beat the Ball 5K is just remarkable," he said.
When Lori Sherwood first heard about the novel 5K run months ago, she thought it would be fun and decided to sign up.
"I had a great time," she said. "And I heard that it is good luck to cross the finish line on New Year's Day."
Sherwood participates in some type of physical activity every Saturday and also plans to run in a New Year's Day 5K at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, Va. on Jan. 1.
In addition to some giveaways, MWR Portsmouth also had a 16-foot screen set up which broadcasted the New Year's Eve festivities and the ball dropping in New York City. Grandfather Time was also on hand on to cheer everyone on and pass out the awards.
"Planning an event like this took a lot of teamwork between MWR and the Command," said Lucas. "It turned out great, and I am so happy that everyone came out and chose to hang out with us on New Year's Eve and start the New Year off right by getting healthy."
"We wanted to offer a positive alternative to the traditional New Year's Eve festivities," said John Lucas, Naval Support Activity (NSA) Hampton Roads MWR Portsmouth director.
The run began at 11:35 p.m. and consisted of a fast, flat course that traversed the historic grounds of Naval Medical Center Portsmouth.
"I thought the run was great, and it was a new challenge for me," said Joshua Washington, who competed in two NSA Hampton Roads MWR runs last year. "It's a better way to get healthy for the New Year instead of going out and drinking."
When Lucas first brought the idea to Capt. Charles Melcher, Commanding Officer of NSA Hampton Roads in March, he was very supportive and thought the concept was great and very distinct.
"Spending New Year's Eve getting healthy by running in a 5K? The idea was so unique, and I knew that John and his team would execute it flawlessly," said Melcher.
After receiving the green light from Melcher, Lucas and his team immediately began planning the race. The idea was to see who could finish the 5K run before midnight and the dropping of the celebratory New Year's Eve ball.
"We wanted to ensure that we encouraged all to participate, regardless if they were going to finish before midnight," said Lucas. "But for the runners who finished before the New Year's Eve ball dropped, we had Beat the Ball 5K commemorative champagne flutes for them filled with sparkling cider."
Initially, Lucas was aiming for 300 participants, but MWR completely surpassed that goal.
"The fact that we had about 500 people come out and participate in our very first Beat the Ball 5K is just remarkable," he said.
When Lori Sherwood first heard about the novel 5K run months ago, she thought it would be fun and decided to sign up.
"I had a great time," she said. "And I heard that it is good luck to cross the finish line on New Year's Day."
Sherwood participates in some type of physical activity every Saturday and also plans to run in a New Year's Day 5K at Mount Trashmore in Virginia Beach, Va. on Jan. 1.
In addition to some giveaways, MWR Portsmouth also had a 16-foot screen set up which broadcasted the New Year's Eve festivities and the ball dropping in New York City. Grandfather Time was also on hand on to cheer everyone on and pass out the awards.
"Planning an event like this took a lot of teamwork between MWR and the Command," said Lucas. "It turned out great, and I am so happy that everyone came out and chose to hang out with us on New Year's Eve and start the New Year off right by getting healthy."
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment