14th annual Rock and Run Fun For Our Heroes held Saturday.

USO Guam and Matson Navigation hosted the 14th annual Rock and Run For Our Heroes 5K event Saturday, Dec. 8, at Skinner’s Plaza, Hagatna.
Pre-race festivities were led by Kyle Mandapat
Runners shoot out the starting line as the race begins.
The 5K event was sponsored by USO Guam and Matson Navigation.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners push toward the finish line.
Runners get a moment to catch their breath after completing the race.
The first 1,000 runners were eligible for a free dri-fit t-shirt.
Runners sign their name to confirm their participation.
Free fruit and drinks were available after the race.
A mini dance show was held by a few participants of the race.
A mini dance show was held by a few participants of the race.
A mini dance show was held by a few participants of the race.

USO Guam and Matson Navigation hosted the 14th annual Rock and Run For Our Heroes 5K event Saturday, Dec. 8, at Skinner’s Plaza, Hagatna.

The event began at 5 a.m. with numerous DJ’s performing for the participants as they arrived. The festivities were led by radio personality Kyle Mandapat.

Race time began at 6 a.m. after a performance of the national anthem and the Guam hymn. Runners were challenged with a slippery race course after light rain briefly occured before the race began.

Guam Olympian Derek Mandell was crowned with first place overall award, finishing with a time under 17 minutes. Mandell recently came back from Japan, where he competed in the Osaka Marathon.

The first 1,000 finishers of the race were able to receive a free dri-fit t-shirt. A photo booth was also present after the race for runners to capture their experience with their friends and family.

Runners were also eligible for the grand prize, a United Airlines round-trip airfare to Asia or Micronesia.

The funds raised during this event will be used to support members of the military and their families.