On Oct. 12, the 17th annual Volkslauf was held, as competitors were ready to push themselves to the limit. The event, put on by local Marines, has two versions; the 5k and the 10k with both men and women competing.
Participants first partake in a run that depends on which of the two courses they have chosen. Then in what many have described as the toughest part of the course, the participant must get through the Devil Dog’s Pit, which is a quarter-mile waist-high mud pit that will suck the energy out of you.
There were approximately 2,400 people participating in the race that included 200 “poolies”, who are Marines in training, encouraging competitors to finish the course.
Denise Haynes, co-race director said she was tremendously pleased with this year’s event.
“This was the smoothest year that we’ve had in a while,” she said. “The compatibility and teamwork went together so well.”
She said that there were no major setbacks or incidents, but there were some hiccups that were quickly resolved with ease.
“Last year we were able to donate $50,000 to local charities,” said Haynes. “This year, we really would like to match or exceed that number.”
Some of the charities that benefit from the events are the Ronald McDonald House, Toys for Tots, Wounded Heroes Fund, and San Joaquin Community Hospital.
Cory Pearson, a second-time participant, ran the 10k and said he enjoys competing.
“It makes you test yourself out. It gives you an idea of where you’re at physically,” he said.
Pearson said the toughest part of the course was indeed the Devil Dog’s Pit. “It uses a lot of your strength,” he said.
He also explained jokingly that on the morning of the event he asks himself “why did I sign up?” but after completing the course he says it’s fun and rewarding. In light of next year’s event, Pearson said about competing, “You never know, I might.”
Most of the individuals that took part in the event were adults, but there were some youngsters that tested their abilities. Andrew Garza, 13, and first-time competitor, entered in the 5k version of the event.
“Being my first time I didn’t know what to expect, but I quickly realized that it was going to be tough,” he said. Garza also does cross-country, so the running part was easy for him. Like Pearson, Garza said the toughest part was the Devil Dog’s Pit. “That was rough, it felt like I wasn’t moving at all, but I just pushed myself and I finally got out,” he said.
“I really liked it, it’s something that I would probably do again,” Garza said. He also said he enjoys it because of the physical workout it gives him. “I know I had a good workout when I can’t twist and turn my body because it’s sore,” he said.
Many women tested their ability and strength on the course.
“Boy, was I in for a tough one,” said Tiffany Contreras, 20. “This is my first time that I have done anything like this so I didn’t know what I was getting myself into.”

Contreras said that she was nervous upon arriving to Volkslauf, but as soon as she started she calmed down and hoped for the best. “For me I didn’t care at what time I finished, my goal for today was just to finish,” she said.
Ryan Lucker of Bakersfield won the overall 10k in 43 minutes 43 seconds, and Monica Morley of Bakersfield was the first woman in the 10k in 55:04.
Bakersfield’s Tracey Warren won the 5k in 30:07, and Amanda Duket of Bakersfield was the first woman in the 5k at 39:00.
Goodwill was on-site to collect the unwanted clothing and shoes participants left behind. There were also food and beverage booths set up for competitors to refuel after the race.