MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP LEJEUNE, N.C. -- Marines, sailors, family and friends of 2nd Radio Battalion, II Marine Expeditionary Force, participated in the third annual Sergeant Lucas T. Pyeatt “Run to Remember," Aug. 9.

The memorial five-kilometer course drew approximately 350 participants for a run around French Creek. The variety of participants included senior and junior Marines, spouses, friends and even a few children on bikes. The event also featured a barbecue for the famished runners and bounce houses for the children in attendance.

“It was a good opportunity to remember Lucas because my husband knew him,” said Heather Hommowun, a spouse of a Marine in 2nd Radio BN, II MEF. “I was happy to be able to run and honor him.”

Pyeatt was killed-in-action during a deployment to Afghanistan, Feb. 5, 2011. While taking part in a security patrol, he stepped on an improvised explosive device and was killed instantly.

Many of the participants came in Pyeatt’s honor, but he was not the only Marine being remembered during the event.

“It’s not just for him, but for all of the Marines who have died in support of [Operations Enduring and Iraqi Freedom],” said Sgt. Aaron Payne, the run coordinator and linguist with 2nd Radio Bn., II MEF, from Racine, Wisconsin.

At the conclusion of the run, certificates of achievement were awarded to 1st, 2nd and 3rd place finishers in the different age categories. The awards were presented by the commanding officer of 2nd Radio BN, Lt. Col. Jonathan L. Bradley.