BARSTOW, Calif. -- Mud flying, people sliding and scrambling for the finish line can only mean one thing; a well organized, chaotic mud run.
Seven Marines from Marine Corps Logistics Base Barstow participated in the First Veteran Home of California - Barstow 5k mud run, at the retirement complex, held on May 12.
The mud run was held at the Veteran’s Home to show appreciation to the Veterans and come together as a community, as well as promoting a healthy lifestyle with physical fitness.
With the run having a military theme, runners fought their way through 3.1 miles of different obstacles which included stationary tanks, hummers and jeeps alongside 12 different mud pits with tires to trudge through.
“It was a great run to have in Barstow,” said Cpl. Joleen Quitano, a Guam native and base supply administrative clerk aboard MCLB Barstow. “We usually don’t have big events like this and it was good to have everyone come together.”
Different teams were formed throughout the entire competition; one of the Barstow Marine teams sported flashy costumes, resembling KISS and became the most popular team in the run.
“I dressed up as Ace Frehley from KISS with two other Marines,” said Lance Cpl. Christopher Foster, adjutant clerk aboard MCLB Barstow. “We were the most popular group there, it seemed as though we were the only ones actually wearing real costumes.”
Plans began in 2012 with Barstow’s Mayor Joe Gomez, wanting to incorporate volunteers from Barstow and neighboring cities.
“I want to thank all of the veterans and active duty military members here,” said Gomez. “Every one of you does so much for our community.”
Veterans watched more than 1,000 running participants take their places at the starting line, waiting for the bell to sound to begin the race. Once started, the runners went through mud and water filled trenches, and were sprayed with gallons of water provided by the Barstow Fire Department at the event and mud slides.
“It was a really fun race, a lot of people were involved,” said Foster, a 20-year-old Cleveland native. “There were a lot of people who were there in the military that were talking with the veterans. It’s great to see that they have more people around to talk with and get to know. Sometimes they don’t really have anyone there, so for this run to be held where so many vets live, I think it’s a great honor.”
Free t-shirts and prize bags were given to each runner that registered for the race.