Get wet at Fire Hose 5K, hottest race of the year

Marine Corps Air Station is inviting runners from the surrounding communities to get wet at the hottest race of the year and come race against Marines and sailors in its annual Fire Hose 5k Fun Run.

This is the third year that MCAS Yuma has opened the race to the public, with air station officials saying they hope it entices some of Yuma's fastest runners to come out and compete. The race gets under way at 6:30 a.m. Saturday, June 8.

It is open to ages 14 and older, and there will be awards for the top three finishers in both the male and female divisions.

All participants will receive a T-shirt, medal and certificate of appreciation. Pre-registration is now under way at www.active.com. The fee is $20 for active duty service members and $25 for all other participants.

This is what is known as a Fun Run, so runners can expect to get soaked. Fire trucks from the MCAS Fire Department will be stationed at certain places along the 3.1 mile race route to spray runners with the fire hoses, cooling them off, as they walk, jog or race to the finish line.

There are at least two locations, and possibly a third, where runners will get sprayed. As such they can expect to get wet six times minimum.

“Make no mistake, these jets of water are a refreshing break from the summer heat and they can make running just a little bit more challenging!” according to the organizers.

James Gilbert can be reached at jgilbert@yumasun.com or 539-6854. Find him on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/YSJamesGilbert or on Twitter @YSJamesGilbert.