Third Annual Capt. Charles Cornett 10K Navy Run

This annual event was originally called the Navy Run and was renamed after Cornett, a former NAS Jax executive officer who founded the run on the base. Cornett participated in 96 marathons including the Boston Marathon and Marine Corps Marathon and was a co-founder of the Florida Striders in 1978. Cornett passed away June 25, 2004.

And their off... Runners and walkers take off at the starting line for the third annual Capt. Charles Cornett Navy Run Saturday morning. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

"This is a wonderful event and I know my father would absolutely adore this. He would be thrilled to see the band, pace car and all the runners out here today," said Sandi Cornett.

One member of the Cornett family who was especially happy to be at the event was 16-year-old Mark Cornett, the grandson of Charles Cornett. "I ran this last year and placed first in my age group so I'm back again. Plus, it's my birthday and it's a great way to celebrate it," he said.

Of course, none of it would have been possible without the support of numerous volunteers. "We've got a great turnout and great weather today so it should be a really good event. I'd really like to thank all the volunteers who helped put this all together. They are the ones who make this all happen," added NAS Jax Fitness Director Tim McKinney, who coordinated the event.

Joseph Logie, 52, receives a plaque from NAS Jax Fitness Director Tim McKinney for placing first in the Grand Master Men's category with a time of 40:25. Photo by Shannon Leonard

The festivities began early in the morning with a few runners registering late and others taking extra time to stretch. A few minutes before the start of the race, the runners assembled at the starting line on Child Street between the NEX and the post office.

After Navy Band Southeast played the national anthem, NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Jack Scorby Jr. welcomed the runners including members of the Cornett family of which several participated in the run/walk. With the firing of the cannons by the NAS Jax Weapons Department, the runners were off.

After starting on Child Street, the course turned right at Akron Street, left on Allegheny and out to Perimeter Road along Highway 17. Runners were then taken along the perimeter of the base before coming out behind the housing area on Mustin Road. The course then continued down Mustin past the golf course and up to Enterprise Street where the runners turned left before heading down the stretch to the finish line.

NAS Jax Fitness Director Tim McKinney presents Holly Turner, 52, with a plaque for placing first in the Grand Masters Women's category with a time of 47:13. Photo by Shannon Leonard

The first person to cross the finish line in the 5K was 11-year-old Bryce Waterman with a time of 26:25. He was followed by 12-year-old Kiel Dominguez coming in at 28:44 and 11-year-old Morgan Meece (placing first in the female category) with a time of 29:52. Joseph Miner came in third in the male category with a time of 30:11 and Lilian Mendoza placed second in the female category with a time of 30:36 followed by LaTonya Capers at 32:14.

"This is pretty cool that I came in first because I also came in first last year. My parents are also participating - my mom and dog are walking and my dad is doing the 10K," stated Waterman, happily.

Coming in first again this year in the 10K was John Metzgar with a time of 34:30. He was followed by Kevin Sweeny who crossed at 36:39 and Paul McRae, who finished with a time of 37:03.

Don Burke and his son, Nickolas complete the 5K together. Photo by Kaylee LaRocque

"It was really hot and humid running today but it was an easy run. I thought I'd have a little competition today but they rolled off so I was just trying to stay on pace and I did ok," said Metzgar.

Kim Pawelek won the women's division with a time of 39:05. She was followed by Michelle Krueger at 39:28 and Susan Miller at 43:04. "This was really a good run. I've run this one a couple times and every year it seems to get a little bigger. In the first three miles, we had the wind in our faces, but I just drafted behind someone. It slowed us down a little but it wasn't as bad as last year. Last year was really windy. I just kept thinking about that as I was running. And then towards the end, it got really hot," said Pawelek, who recently qualified for the Olympic trials.

The event was sponsored by VyStar Credit Union, PreCor USA, Howard Johnson of Orange Park, Asics, Life Fitness, Navy Lodge, Navy Exchange and Defense Commissary Agency.

Neither MWR, nor the U.S. Navy or any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor or its products or services.