More than 200 Sailors participated in a St. Patrick's Day 5K aboard the Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72) during an underway, March 19.

The St. Patrick's Day 5K, hosted by Abraham Lincoln's Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) provided an opportunity for Sailors to get out of their spaces, unwind, and get outside onto the flight deck for some fresh air.

In the midst of people wearing kilts, crazy colored socks, and dinosaur costumes, Abraham Lincoln's chain of command, was out there supporting everyone.

"It is great to see everyone coming together for this run," said Abraham Lincoln's Executive Officer Capt. Amy N. Bauernschmidt. "We have the fitness enhancement program (FEP), guests, and our own crew all running out here together getting it done. We are taking ownership of our fitness on this beautiful, 70-degee, sunny morning."

The color green was not absent on the flight deck during the run. MWR expanded the holiday color by giving out free shirts and workout towels to the participants.

"I felt motivated to come out to the 5k, because I work nights so I do not get the chance to come out for fresh air often," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Fuel) 2nd Class Ryan Multerer. "It is really nice to exercise outside plus; I get a free T-shirt!"

Several volunteers were there to support both MWR and the runners as they handed out fresh water to the participants as they rounded the MWR table to quench their thirst.

"I volunteered, because it makes me happy to help others," said Aviation Boatswain's Mate (Equipment) 3rd Class Cristal Mathurin, a volunteer at the St. Patrick's 5K. "Also, the Fit Boss brings such a contagious energy; I just had to support."

Abraham Lincoln's Fit Boss, Shawn Ellison, was on the flight deck with his bull horn motivating the Sailors.

"MWR is here to provide support to the runners," said MWR representative Operations Specialist 1st Class Kevin Garrett. "We added extra motivation by offering a special prize for the top runners. Smart watches will be awarded to the first place runners for both males and females."

Additionally, there were several shipboard riders running the 5K alongside Lincoln Nation. In fact, one of the them, Ensign Veronica Scott, took first place out of all the women participating.

"I'm coming out here from Fort Meade, Md. and am really excited to be representing my command, Cryptologic Warfare Group 6," said Scott. "I ran track in college, so it's great to be out here continuing the tradition and running strong."

5Ks such as this one are a great opportunity for Sailors to get outside for some healthy exercise. Be sure to keep an eye on the plan of the week and Lincoln's Log for more upcoming MWR events.

For more information, visit www.navy.mil, www.facebook.com/usnavy, or www.twitter.com/usnavy.

For more news from USS Abraham Lincoln (CVN 72), visit www.navy.mil/.