Oceanside CA— Several hundred walkers and runners, some pushing strollers, lined up at the start line for the Fourth Annual Oceanside, National Veterans Day Run at Guajome Park on Saturday.
The first race was run on 11-11-2011 and a tradition was born of beginning the annual event at 8:11 a.m. The race consisted of two distances, 5K and a 1-mile family and supporter walk/run. Thais This year’s race was in partnership with Operation Gratitude [Link], a non-profit organization that sends more than 150,000 care packages annually to the men and women deployed overseas.
Jennifer Sylvester and Tami Miller traveled from San Clemente to participate in the event’s 5k run. “We are here to support our military” said Jennifer “We are also proud military wives.” added Tami. They both competed while pushing the young ones in strollers. Jennifer with her one and a half year-old son Luke and Tami with her son Nick. It was Tami’s first 5k ever.
Laura and Vernon Ross traveled from Poway. Laura said she was here supporting her retired Marine husband, Vernon and both said they were at the event to support a good cause.
Carlee Padot McClurg of Oceanside said she was running to support her hometown and the troops. “I’m also training to run in the Phoenix Marathon so it worked out perfect.
The 5k course wound its way on the dirt trails through scenic Guajome Park. Andy Thacher of Mira Mesa was the first to cross the finish line with a time of 20:24.

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Photos: Steve Marcotte / OsideNews