MARINE CORPS RECRUIT DEPOT SAN DIEGO -- With the July heat beaming down on more than 800 Marines, active and retired service members and civilians, the Rock ‘n’ Roll Freedom Run kicked off aboard the depot July starting off the holiday weekend.
The race, headed by Marine Corps Community Services San Diego, was a three-mile run around the depot that started and finished at the Boathouse.
“It was a great way to start to the holiday weekend because it provided a moral boost and allowed families to come out and enjoy the depot,” said Kelly Sitar, deputy director of Semper Fit.
The winners ranged widely in age.
Patrick Palmiter, 20, took first place with a time of 16 minutes, 14 seconds. Tom Bach, 36, came in a close second with a time of 16:19. Kyle Gilder, 36, Coast Guardsman, finished the race third with a time of 16:38.
Last year, Gilder ran in the same age bracket and came in third place.
The fastest female of the day was Marcella Teran, 53, who finished with a time 18:50. Jodie Valles, 30, took second with 19:01, while Jenny Starr, 24, came in third with a time of 20:33.
The age groups for the race were split up into five-year categories from two-years-old and under, to 70-years-old and older.
There was a excitement in the air because everyone was happy because the Independence Day holiday was starting, said Lance Cpl. Anthony Rodriguez, combat readiness training instructor, Service Company.
Points were awarded to each competing unit and went toward the annual Commanding General’s Cup tournament. For races in the CG’s Cup, units receive 10 entry points if 75 percent of the unit participates; eight entry points if 50 percent of the unit participates; six entry points if 25 percent of the unit participates; and one entry point if at least one person from the unit participates.
The CG’s Cup affords service members an opportunity to come together and compete in sporting events throughout the year to earn points for their unit. The winner of the CG’s Cup at the year’s final event, the field meet, Dec. 5, is decided by the points that each unit earns.
The standings for the CG’s Cup, after the race points were tallied, placing Headquarters and Service Battalion first with 259 points. Recruit Training Regiment in second place with 214 points, Coast Guard in third with 153 points, 12th Marine Corps District in forth place with 124 points, and Medical and Dental placed fifth with 37 points.
“The run is not just a CG’s Cup event, but it’s also for the families to spend time together and start the holiday off well,” said Sitar.
After the race was over, the runners enjoyed free food, drinks and entertainment. An Uncle Sam stilt-walker provided balloons to participants while prizes were being raffled to the runners.
Some of the prizes that were raffled included theme park tickets, electronic items, and spa and gym packages.
“It was really fun and running is never fun,” said Candice Merlin, clerk, YMCA. “We are definitely signing up for next year’s run.”
The next MCCS run is the Turkey Trot, Nov. 2, which is open to active, reserve and retired service members and their guests