Falls Church, Va. -- The United States Marine Corps donated 900 water bottles to the 8th annual Jaguar 5k held by Falls Church High School April 27.
This is the second year the Marine Corps sponsored this event.
“The water bottles provided by the Marines are such a nice addition to the race packets. Everyone loves the red Marines bottles,” said Jeanne Kelly, Director of Student Activities, Falls Church High School, Va.
The water bottles are included in every registration bag given, “They are awesome,” said 9th grade, Falls Church student, Melissa Merino.
As soon as the participants were given their bags they were lining up to fill their new water bottles. The bottles encourage hydration and strengthened the relationship between the Falls Church H.S. athletic program and the Marine Corps.
“We reached out to the Marines to help support the Jaguar 5k because it seems to be a natural link. The Marines are visible at FCHS (Fall Church H.S.) on a regular basis as part of their recruitment process and they support our athletic events so asking them to be part of our Jaguar 5k school-community race seemed like a great connection,” said Kelly.
Marines in conjunction with the donation set up the pull-up bar challenge to test students’ strength and to inform young men and women about the opportunities the Marine Corps has to offer. Marine Recruiter Sergeant Eric Stool and Poolee Van Wijngaarden also participated in the 5k.
“I ran the 5k to support my school and stay in shape. I wanted to wear my Poolee shirt so that I could represent the Marine Corps and show how we prepare for boot camp and Marine life," said Wijngaarden.
“It was great to have the support of the Marines. The water bottles were a huge hit and it was great to have the presence of the Marines at the race,” said Kelly.
The event reaches out to more than 1500 students, educators and parents in the Falls Church area and has become a staple in the FCHS’s athletic department summer kick-off.