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America's Armed Forces Kids Run

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Mariah Haddenham
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam --  The annual America's Armed Forces Kids Run was held at Andersen AFB May 19.

"Servicemembers understand what physical fitness means and its importance," said Marco Di Giulio, 36th Force Support Squadron special events coordinator. "I think this event was a great way to introduce their children to this part of their lives, and hopefully some of the children will want to start running with their parents as a result of the event."

The event took place at the Andersen track and was hosted by the U.S. Navy, who provided complementary t-shirts to participants.

"The America's Armed Forces Kids Run is the largest children's running event in the world," said Michele Jacobs, 36 FSS community activities and hot spot director. "For Andersen, this was the largest turn-out we have had in years, with 112 kids participating. Above all other benefits of the event, my favorite part was seeing the children be active and really enjoy fitness."

Coming together provided a venue for parents who appreciate fitness to network.

"The event served as a fun outdoor activity for families to participate in with a positive group," said Mr.Di Giulio. "Events like this help with base moral and help children of servicemembers meet other children their age."

Servicemembers had the opportunity to engage in physical fitness with their children, encouraging them to be active.

"The event helped to introduce children to organized running in a friendly, non-competitive way," said Mr. Di Giulio. "There were no winners or losers and it was a positive experience to contrast the normal activities that they might see in a gym class at school."