More than 100 service members, Department of Defense personnel and family members participated in a St. Patrick’s Day 5k/1 mile run hosted by the Fitness and Aquatics Center aboard Naval Base Kitsap, March 12.

The annual event is a “personal-challenge” competition designed to motivate participants to strive for their own personal best run times.

“It’s a great family event,” said Race Director Sylvia Terry. “It’s a fun and healthy way to spend your Saturday. It builds camaraderie amongst the participants and gives them a great sense of accomplishment.”

Terry said the St. Patrick’s day run is one of four annual races hosted by the Bangor gym in which participants can challenge themselves and commands are able to earn points that go toward the annual Captain’s Cup event.

“We like to coordinate events that motivate people and give them goals to work toward,” said Terry.

For seven-year-old Matthew Krieg, the event means more to him than just a personal challenge.

“It is really good exercise, but I’m mostly happy that I am making my mom proud,” said Krieg.

Another participant, Aviation Boatswain’s Mate (Equipment) Airman Shawn Taylor, said he uses the race as a tool.

“The military requires us to be in good physical condition, so these races are a great way to do that,” said Taylor.

In celebration of the St. Patrick’s day holiday, Terry and the staff of the Bangor gym provided green Gatorade and green-colored water as refreshments for the participants.

“It’s all good, healthy fun,” said Terry. “The kids enjoy it, and it helps us teach them how to set goals and achieve them, and they get to feel that sense of accomplishment and support as they’re being cheered on.”

Terry said anyone interested in participating in the next scheduled event can do so by creating a ‘myFFR account’ and completing the online registration at http://www.navylifepnw.com{{PERIOD}}

“Anyone is eligible to participate,” said Terry. “There is no age limit, and it’s a great way to stay active and challenge yourself.”