Written by: Maj. Adam J. Becker
Posted: Thursday, 17 April 2008
Page 2 of 2

As I wait for the women to show up at my turn, I capture my U.S. Army runner of the day, Dan Bailey of West Virginia, coming through with a strong 18:10 fourth-place finish. It turns out he is a close friend and work associate of Rock Brendan, whom you may remember as the only Army runner present at the St. Patty's Day 10K two weeks ago. Dan is now the new resident Army runner. He does not need a name like "Rock" to be tough with a photo of a truly beefcake MRAP (Mine Resistant Ambush Protected) behind you.
Lieutenant Amy Horgan whizzes past me to her third first-place woman's finish in 5 weeks in 21:15. She definitely made a statement that she is the top women's runner in these parts. Captain Jennifer Larsen lopes, unhurried around the turn, and places second in 21:37.
While Katie may have won three races in a row, she has not taken note of Jennifer steadily whittling away the time differential between them. Where minutes separated them previously, less than 20 seconds does today.
Now no one seems to be coming around the turn. I peer around as I had previously and see Staff Sergeant Nyra Hernandez of Alamo Texas leading a long line of racers. She places third in 22:40 and after the race, I get another photo of her and running mate Linda Brown.
Last but not least, the Easter Bunny race Marshal, Major General Kelly wheels around the final turn,
assuring me he hung back to make sure all runners completed the run safely. Major General Kelly was not the only bunny to show up at this 5K. The "Energizer Bunny" was also present in the motivating form of Challenged Athlete "Spanky" Bill Gibson, to personally congratulate Jonathon Yanez on his victory.
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