MCCS Lejeune-New River’s St. Paddy's Engineer 5 Mile Challenge returns to Courthouse Bay on March 16. For over a decade the race has been a staple in the local race community, attracting everyone from seasoned athletes to novice racers seeking a fun bonding experience with friends and family. By hosting an event open to the public MCCS is helping to build relationships among the surrounding community while boosting morale for service members and their families. Held on the same course that both Marines and international service members use, the race gives outsiders a glimpse of the physical training they go through.

 

While the race has drawn competitive runners in the past, race organizers decided to make it an untimed event this year. “The community has always viewed this as more of a fun event than an actual race. With the obstacles, wooded trails, and muddy creeks, runners come out for the experience and not for setting fast times. The heart of the race lies in the spirit of the participants. Runners often stop to lend a helping hand to strangers struggling at obstacles or exchange muddy high-fives as they trudge through the creeks. So, this year we hope to provide an enjoyable, memorable experience for all skill levels,” said Brian Crawford, MCCS Lejeune-New River Fitness Branch Manager.

 

“In 2023 we had almost 500 runners register for this race, and hope to have even more this year. It has become a celebration of the incredible camaraderie and resilience of our community,” Crawford added.

 

This MCCS event is sponsored by the Jacksonville Tourism Development Authority and Coca Cola Bottling Co. Consolidated. MCCS Sponsors. No federal or DoD endorsement implied.