Runners take off from the start line of the Army Week 5K Fun Run held June 13 on Camp Zama, Japan. More than 50 youth and adult runners, including Soldiers, civilians, family members, Japanese employees and Japan Ground Self-Defense members, came out for the event. (Dustin Perry )
CAMP ZAMA, Japan – A 5K run that culminated a week of events in celebration of the Army’s birthday and included participants from throughout the community here embodied the Army spirit, the commander of U.S. Army Garrison Japan said.
More than 50 youth and adult runners came out for the run on the morning of June 13.
Col. Marcus Hunter, USAG Japan commander, said the run had the largest number of participants in quite a few years. He lauded the “Army Week” event as a great opportunity for people from many different units and organizations on the base to come together to celebrate the Army.
“That exemplifies the ‘Ichidan’ spirit we have here — one team, bringing all the different units together, to include our [family members],” Hunter said.
As in years past, the Directorate of Family and Morale, Welfare and Recreation coordinated the event. The start/finish line was in front of MWR’s Yano Fitness Center, and the route led the runners in front of the U.S. Army Japan headquarters, past Zama Middle High School, and through some housing neighborhoods.
Being able to support Army Week by hosting the event was an honor that defined the essence of MWR’s job, said Stefan Thompson, the chief of Fitness, Athletics and Aquatics at Yano.
“Supporting the Army is what we do, in numerous facets,” he said. “With the Fun Run, like with most events, it was a team effort that included help from [the Directorate of Plans, Training, Mobilization and Security], the [Directorate of Emergency Services], and some awesome official volunteers.”
Participation in the run included Soldiers, civilians, family members, Japanese employees, Japan Ground Self-Defense members and even a few canine companions. Seeing that level of support from across the community is a reward in itself, Thompson said.
“It is always gratifying to see all the elements come together for a great event that serves the entire Army community,” he said.
The run came after three days of competitive athletic events in celebration of Army Week that included soccer, basketball and Ultimate Frisbee tournaments; “Fittest Warrior” and Team Combat-Focused Fitness competitions; tug-of-war; and an “Officers vs. Enlisted” softball game.
Having events that promote fitness and friendly competition serves to highlight the uniqueness of an organization like the Army, Hunter said, while also bringing the entire community together and building camaraderie.
“There is an element of what we do that’s physical, but it’s also mental,” Hunter said. “[It’s great] to recognize the culture and the history of the Army as a team and to be able to emphasize that, and to see all the different capabilities amongst the different teams.”
