Commander “pipes in” runners at annual run

More than 50 runners, joggers, strollers and dog walkers showed up March 22 at the Hall of Champions in Baumholder for the annual St. Patrick’s Day run.

Despite being delayed for a week, weather conditions were still not ideal for the race. Patches of ice on the course attested to the briskness of the Baumholder morning, which had an effect on the runners’ times. First to finish the 5-kilometer run was Akeem Williams from the dental clinic with a time of 22:18. Second place went to Charles Williams from the health clinic with a time of 22:35. James Salanitro, also from the health clinic, took third with 23:37.

A woman who usually finishes in the money during these runs once again did not disappoint the spectators. Monique Berthon from the legal office turned in a time of 23:48, good for first place in the women’s category. Behind her in second place was Kaitlin Holland from the health clinic with a time of 25:16. Third place went to Kiely Whitham, also from the health clinic, with a time of 26:30.

There was only one entry in the youth category and that was Aliya Ankeney, who finished in 30:40. She was also awarded a first place finish.

Music to run away from was provided by Lt. Col. Mike Sullivan, U.S. Army Garrison Baumholder commander, who played the bag pipes at the start and finish of the race. It was the perfect motivation for the runners, who upon hearing him play made a mad dash from the starting line. Sullivan was not shy and talked about his expertise with the bag pipes before the race.

“It’s either going to sound good or it’s going to sound like someone is torturing a cat,” he said. Fortunately there were no feline entries in the race.

All kidding aside, his musical contribution helped to keep everyone in good spirits who turned out to brave the chilly morning with temperatures just above freezing.