Study after study has come to the conclusion that family time is a good thing. Doing things together helps build and strengthen relationships whether it’s your family, friends, neighbors or coworkers.

Other studies have come to the conclusion that physical activity is good not only for your body, but it is emotionally benefi cial, too. These two well-established facts make the Fort Bragg Family Fun 5K a no-brainer when the question arises “What are we going to do this weekend?” The fact that it is free and no registration is required is just a bonus.

On Saturday, July 30 grab the family, a friend, a coworker or your neighbor and come to Hedrick Stadium on Fort Bragg and join the hundreds of other participants in a morning of fun and fi tness. The event is open to military/government ID card holders and family members.

You don’t have to be an athlete to come out and enjoy the race. In fact, you will find people of all fitness levels in attendance. Look for everyone from athletes who are training for other races, to soldiers or retirees walking to recover from surgery, to families with young children in strollers and wagons and everything in between.

The race starts at 8 a.m., although folks generally show up before that to warm up, meet their exercise partners and even socialize a little. Several post organizations come out to show their support as well. MWR brings the intercom system and music, and often, organizations wait at the fi nish line with refreshments and other goodies for the athletes.

“We have several organizations that come out and participate and support the event,” said Command Sgt. Maj. Donald Hardy, event coordinator. “It is a good opportunity to provide people with resources and information about the different programs on post, so they usually have plenty of magnets, flyers and other helpful and informative items available to take home.”

The 3.1 mile route starts and ends at Hedrick stadium and makes a loop along Long Street, Manhay, Sicily, Normandy, Reilly and Sedgewick back into the stadium where there is about three quarters of a lap to get to the fi nish line where participants will fi nd refreshments like water and fruit.

Still relatively new, the monthly Family Fun 5K has grown considerably since its start last fall.

“The first event we had 208 people show and that was in September,” said Steve Johnson of Fort Bragg MWR. “At our most recent event we had 865 participants.”

With support like that, plans are to continue with the monthly race and continue to support healthy living and relationship building.

“It has been very well received,” said Johnson who works at many of the races. “We have received positive feedback, so from an organizational standpoint that is very gratifying for us.”

The July 30, Aug. 27, and Sept. 17 events are scheduled to start at 8 a.m. because of the heat. Beginning in October, the start time is expected to return to 9 a.m.

Johnson also noted that there are a few expected changes for the August event. “We need to give people a heads up, that the Hedrick Stadium parking lot is going to be paved. Work begins in August on that. At this point it is very conceivable that we are going to have to modify the start and end point for the Aug. 5k.”

More information will be released on that once a final determination is made. Look for updates on the Fort Bragg MWR Website. For more information about this event, visit www.fortbraggmwr.com.

Photo: Fort Bragg families gather at the finish line after completing the Fort Bragg Family Fun 5K.