MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Those who are going outside would most likely put on a jacket, so why are some people behind the IronWorks Gym wearing short-shorts and small T-shirts?
Civilians and service members participated in Gokukan Run on the sea wall Feb.19.
This is the third year that the IronWorks Gym has hosted the Gokukan Run.
According to Darci Kruse, the athletic director at IronWorks Gym, Gokukan means coldest day of the year.
The run’s name held to its promise with temperatures dipping down to below 40 degrees Fahrenheit.
Nearly 30 people participated in the 5K run that was open to everyone on the station, including Japanese and civilians.
“It’s really, really cold out here, so we are all kind of suffering together,” said Kruse. “This run is a fun way to get different kinds of people together to compete.”
Tadamasa “Turbo” Uemara, the recreation specialist at IronWorks Gym and one of the run’s main organizers hinted at the Gokukan Run’s mental and physical challenges.
“To participate in a run like this you have to have a lot of heart and mind,” said Uemura. “Cold temperatures affect the way you run, so you kind of have to dig deep and get that mighty devil dog ooh rah spirit.”
Uemura has ran the Gokukan run before, but this year he decided to steer clear of the chilly run by wrapping himself up in a large coat and pass out the Gokukan trophies instead.
Trophies provided by Marine Corps Community Services were given out for three places in five different age/gender groups.
The first places in each category are as follows: Mens 29 years and under – Robinson Teran. Mens 30-49 years old – Ken Mimlitsch. Mens 50 years and over – Higuchi Mamoru. Womens 34 years and under – Tonya Curlee. Womens 35 years and over – Vickie Feyedelem.
“Everyone seemed to really bare the cold,” said Kruse. “They had fun with it. Everyone was really there for the fun of it and to get out there with the other runners.”
The Gokukan Run is scheduled to kick off again next year, but in the meantime those who are interested in participating in future runs can contact Semper Fit at 253-5654.