More than 100 members of the Navy Installations Command (NIC) military and civilian staff participated in a 5 kilometer fun run and barbecue at the Washington Navy Yard, Aug. 2.

The "Run, Walk or Crawl 5K," which concluded with a barbecue, was held as a fundraiser for the NIC headquarters command holiday party.

"The event was an overwhelming success," said Sophia Walker, NIC accountant, who volunteered as one of the event coordinators. "Not only were we able to raise money for the party, but people had a great time and it was a nice break from the regular work routine."

Lt. Cmdr. Greg Raelson, a public affairs officer at NIC, placed first overall with a time of 20:15. Raelson, an avid runner and triathlete, said he is currently training for an Ironman race in October.

"I'm so glad the command decided to organize this event," said Raelson. "This was a great opportunity to get outside, enjoy a beautiful day and build some camaraderie with fellow staff members here."

The race saw participants from up and down the NIC chain of command including Vice Adm. Dixon Smith, commander, Navy Installations Command, and Force Master Chief Petty Officer (SW/AW) Andrew Thompson.

Nyeika Hollien, NIC's funeral honors program manager, was one of those who opted to walk the distance.

"It was such a nice day out, I chose to walk and spend the time catching up with some of my office mates whom I don't get a chance to chat with as often as I'd like," said Hollien.

After the race, participants were provided with refreshments and a barbecue consisting of hot dogs, hamburgers and chicken prepared by the NIC Mess and volunteers.

The afternoon concluded with a dunk tank, where several members of the NIC Chiefs Mess offered the chance to drop them in with a well-placed pitch.

"I had a lot of fun today," said Yeoman 2nd Class (AW) Mckinley Teasley, Thompson's administrative assistant. "Dunking Force [Master Chief Petty Officer Thompson] in the dunk tank twice was icing on the cake."

Navy Installations Command is comprised of approximately 52,000 military and civilian personnel worldwide responsible for the operations, maintenance and quality of life programs to support the Navy's fleet, Sailors and their families.

For more about the Navy's shore enterprise, visit: http://www.cnic.navy.mil

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For more news from Commander, Navy Installations Command, visit www.navy.mil/.