MCAS MIRAMAR IS OFF AND RUNNING.

A 5K run at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar is more than a mere dash for the finish line. As the Marine Corps is constantly focused on fitness as an element of military readiness, marines pack the fitness center and the running course daily. So, when the station's Morale, Welfare and Recreation (MWR) Athletics Department plans a running event, it has to be more exciting than your average run if it's going to draw a crowd. In addition to encouraging marines to complete yet another run, Miramar's unique running events attract military spouses and children, retirees, and civilian employees who work at the air station.

The need for speed is nonexistent at Miramar's Las Vegas Fun Run/Walk. Participants run or walk the 3.4-mile course, picking up playing cards along the way. It doesn't matter when participants cross the finish line; what matters is the cards each person holds upon crossing the finish line. Those with the top three hands win great prizes, first place being a weekend trip to Las Vegas. This event annually attracts more than 150 people.

Runners and walkers flock to Miramar's Turkey Trot, which is held each November. The top three finishers in this race receive trophies topped with a turkey decked out in running shoes. Speed is not the only quality required of winners at the Turkey Trot -- luck plays a big role as well. All participants are entered into a drawing for holiday goodies. Ten turkeys, 10 hams, and 30 pies are distributed among the more than 150 annual Turkey Trot participants.

Civilians have a chance to take off on MCAS Miramar's runways each August. The military F/A-18 Hornet jets and other aircraft make way for runners and cyclists during the annual Runway 10K and Flight Line Bike Classic.

Participants run, ride, and stride right on the runways of MCAS Miramar on courses flanked by multimillion-dollar Marine Corps aircraft, which inspire athletes to feel as if they are flying down the runway. The Runway 10K event offers both five- and 10-kilometer courses for runners and walkers. Flight Line Bike Classic participants choose from 10- or 20-mile courses.

A Tot Trot is also open to children ages 5 to 9. Every child who completes the course receives a special award. Another treat for the younger crowd is the Kids' Corner, a play area.

The run and bike events, which draw nearly 5,000 participants each year, are among the most popular athletic events in San Diego. Each participant receives an official T-shirt and two tickets to the invitation-only segment of the MCAS Miramar Air Show, which is held two weeks after the athletic events. The show offers full-scale performances by the world's best military and civilian pilots.

The invitation-only show is open to military service members, government employees and their families, community groups, those with disabilities, and participants in the Runway 10K and Flight Line Bike Classic. The show is then open to the general public for two days.

In addition, Runway participants enjoy a morning of free fun on the flight line, which includes a huge after-event party featuring food and drink samples from an array of sponsors, an awards ceremony for winners of the races, loads of prizes, and Eve music by a top local band. Throughout the event, participants also receive a close look at jet aircraft and a working military flight line, which is an excellent community-relations opportunity for the Marine Corps.