Bellevue-Offutt Runway Run receives certification, remembers Boston bombing victims

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Carly A Costello
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR BASE, Neb. --  Offutt Air Force Base and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce are teaming up once again for the sixth annual seven-mile Bellevue-Offutt Runway Run on May 12.

The run takes participants along Fort Crook Road to the Kenny Gate and through Offutt Air Force Base, including a stretch along the runway past a formation of Air Force aircraft. This year, the course has been recertified allowing avid runners who compete on a regular basis to use this run in their statistics.

But the certification is not the only thing different about this year's race. The Bellevue-Offutt Runway Run committee, headed by Doris Urwin, Bellevue Chamber of Commerce administrator, has also decided to use this run as a way to reflect on the tragedy of the bombings during the Boston Marathon on April 15.

"Every runner aspires to run Boston, so everyone who runs and even those who don't, understand the tragedy in Boston," said Rita Sanders, Bellevue Mayor and an avid runner. "As a runner and as a community, we are here to show our support."

Photographer and graphic designer Josh Plueger, 55th Wing Public Affairs, designed a logo remembering those affected by the bombings that will appear on the race's T-shirt.

"After sending out the logos to the committee for a vote, I received such positive feedback," Urwin said. "The logo will be on the front of each runner's shirt."

The idea for the Bellevue-Offutt Runway Run was a collaborative effort by Team Offutt and the Bellevue Chamber in 2008 as a part of Air Force Week, and the run has proven to be a great way to bring the Bellevue and Offutt community together ever since.

"It was a combination of community representatives, Offutt representatives and chamber members," Urwin said. "There was a committee that worked on the details for Air Force Week and the idea [for a runway run] was born. The [Bellevue] chamber then took the lead and partnered with Offutt Air Force Base and the city of Bellevue to organize the event."

"Sponsoring the runway run gives us an opportunity to connect with the community and show our support for the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and Offutt Air Force Base," said David Larrick, Sr., a marketing specialist with the Bellevue Medical Center, this year's leading sponsor for the runway run.

Last year, the event attracted 138 runners, both military and civilian, and this year, Urwin hopes to have 200 runners, including some top brass from Team Offutt.

Registration is $25 until April 30, and $30 from May 1 until the day of the race. Registration forms must be mailed into the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce and can be found on the chamber's website (http://bellevuenebraska.com/event/runway-run/). Even though there is an on-site registration, Urwin encourages those interested in running to pre-register in order to prevent back up the morning of the race and to allow ample time for Security Forces to clear runners onto base.

"Arriving early is important to get checked in and to prepare to run," Urwin said. "The early on-site registration deadline closes at 6:30 a.m. to allow for the necessary security clearance processing before the start of the ceremonial activities and race."

The money raised through registrations goes to pay for the promotion and cost of the event. "Anything left after expenses goes to support our military affairs program," Urwin said.

After the race, awards for the top three male and female finishers for each age group will be awarded. And this year will mark the first time an award will go out to the fastest military formation.

The race will start promptly at 7 a.m. at the Bellevue Lied Activity Center and is expected to last until 9:30 a.m. Since the run takes place on base, some gates and roads will be closed during the duration of the race. The Bellevue and Meyer Gates will be open for those who need to enter or exit base during the race.