NAS Jax hosts second annual Capt. Chuck Cornett Navy Run

The event festivities began at 6 a.m. with a few last minute runners registering late and others taking some extra time to warm up. More than 400 service members, civil service civilians, retirees and family members showed up to honor the tradition in memory of former NAS Jacksonville Executive Officer Capt. Charles Cornett. Cornett served as executive officer of NAS Jacksonville from June 1978 through his retirement in June 1980. He founded the Navy Run, 29 years ago and was also an active member of many civic organizations in Jacksonville.

As an active runner, he participated in more than 96 marathons including the Boston Marathon, Marine Corps Marathon and was a co-founder of the Florida Striders in 1978. On June 25, 2004, Cornett passed away but will always be remembered by his friends and family of the Jacksonville running community as a dynamic runner who loved the sport.

"This is such a great event because it brings the civilian and military communities together. I must say a special thank-you to the volunteers. Without them, this event could not be possible," stated NAS Jax Athletic Director Tim McKinney.

Neighbors John Bowsman and retired Capt. Bob Meister came out to participate in the run together. Bowsman, who has been running in the community for approximately 12 years excitedly said, "This is a can't miss tradition! Chuck got me started in the Navy Run and it's a beautiful course!"

Chuck Cornett Jr. receives a medal from NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson after running the race named in honor of his grandfather Chuck Cornett.

First Place Sports conducted the timing of the race. They distributed championship chips to each of the runners. These chips were placed on runner's shoes to record their individual race times.

Navy Band Southeast was on hand to perform and after playing the national anthem, NAS Jax Commanding Officer Capt. Chip Dobson greeted each of the runners with welcoming remarks wishing all the runners good luck. Dobson then ordered the NAS Weapons Department to fire the cannon to start the race. With a loud bang, runners took off running down Child Street between the Navy Exchange and the Post Office towards Naval Hospital Jacksonville. The course turned right at Akron Street, left on Allegheny and out to Perimeter Road along Highway 17. The course took runners along the perimeter of the base coming out behind the housing area on Mustin Road. The runners then continued down Mustin Road past the golf course and up to Enterprise Street where they turned left heading down the stretch to the finish line.

The first person to cross the finish line in the 10K with a time of 34:43, was retired Lt. Cmdr. John Metzgar. He was followed by Ryan Sloan coming in at 36:23 and Jeremiah Downes, who finished with a time of 36:55.

Navy Band Southeast performs at the 2007 Capt. Chuck Cornett Navy Run Saturday morning.

Kim Pawelek won the women's division with a time of 38:15. She was followed by Patti Stewart at 39:29 and Andrea Laperriere at 40:40. The 5K winners were Bryce Waterman at 26:29, followed by Matthew Dews at 27:49 and Damon Trenton who finished at 29:38.

At the end of the race, runners snacked on fruit and refreshments while Dobson presented the winners with medals and awards.

"MWR did a super job and made this event a very enjoyable one. I look forward to the run and will be back next year," said Navy Run participant John Vanborocklin.

To view all the results of the Navy Run, go to http://www.1stplacesports.com/navy07res.htm.

Runners take off sprinting down Child Street as the annual Capt. Chuck Cornett Navy Run begins early Saturday morning. More than 400 people registered for the run.

A special thank-you goes out to the following sponsors of the 2007 Second Annual Captain Chuck Cornett Memorial 10K Run and 5K Walk: Reebok, GEICO, Holiday Inn of Orange Park, NAS Jax Navy Exchange, NAS Jax Commissary, Navy Lodge, Life Fitness and Precor. Neither MWR nor the U.S. Navy or any other part of the federal government officially endorses any company, sponsor or its product or services.

Family members of Chuck Cornett cross the finish line during the 5K portion of the Memorial Run/Walk.