Fun Run + a Day of Sun

It wasn't just another ordinary "day on the range" at the Bull Run Warrior Retreat this past Saturday morning.

As the roosters on the property just began to crow at the crack of dawn..... the volunteers for the Serve Our Willing Warriors 5k + Fun Run were rising from their warm comfortable beds to come together and set up for the event!

RISE and SHINE Mr. Rooster says! 

but it wasn't the "cock-a-doodle-dooing" that motivated us to rise at such an early hour, it was the willingness inside our hearts to give back to our Willing Warriors.

No amount of blistering winds or lack of Vitamin D could keep us from gathering 200+ participants in a race that coiled up and down the likes of Dominion Valley in good ol' Haymarket, Virginia. If I hadn’t known any better, seeing the rolling tops of the Bull Run Mountains reminded me of the exact reason why this all started. And before the race, we were all at complete peace…until,

"Attention!!"

"Men to the ready…"

"Forward, March!!.."

All of the Participants starting off strong in the first stretch of the Serve Our Willing Warriors 5k race!

And on we went...

We had such a surmount of support from the community. Civilians + Military alike. Come to think of it, there was a whole entire regiment from Battlefield High school's Air Force JROTC that came out to volunteer at the event!

Battlefield JROTC Color Guard demonstrating the colors at the Serve Our Willing Warriors 5k Run

And, might I add, they did an OUTstanding job not only performing their color guard duties, but ALSO running the entire race in cadance. Thank you to CMSgt David Schuler and MAJ Ray Fiedler for working with us and bringing such an amazing representation of patriotism to the doorsteps of our community!

The Battlefield High School Regiment running in cadence at the Serve Our Willing Warriors 5k Run

May we have a round of APPLAUSE for them, ladies + gentlemen!

Here is the young gold medalist himself looking for his first high-five. Such an incredible acheivement!

The winner of the Serve Our Willing Warriors 5k Run high-fiving for success after crossing the finish line

Afterwards, the participants that wanted to have a tour of the house were taken back to the retreat in order to behold all of its beauty + wonder. Amongst the sunny hills of Bull Run, it was the perfect weather to conclude our afternoon and reflect on all that we have to be thankful for.

So, no matter the medals that may hang around the necks of these lively men + women, I believe today, we all win.