Offutt, Bellevue to host Runway Run

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. James M. Hodgman
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  Participants of the third annual Runway Run, set for May 9 at 7 a.m., at Bellevue Public Schools Lied Activity Center, will have an opportunity few people outside of the military ever have - a chance to run on an active runway.

The 7-mile race begins and ends at the Lied Activity Center, but the majority of the race is on Offutt. Runners will have an opportunity to run on Offutt's runway and see the many historical buildings across the base.

Places like the Martin Bomber Building, a bomber assembly plant during World War II, U.S. Strategic Command, the Bennie Davis Maintenance Facility and General's Row are some of the landmarks runners will see along the route.

Col. John T. Rauch, 55th Wing vice commander, will be running in his first Runway Run and said he's looking forward to it.

"The Bellevue, Offutt Runway Run is an excellent opportunity to promote physical fitness, showcase Offutt AFB, as well as the amazing relationship the base enjoys with the local community," Colonel Rauch said.

The Colonel also stressed that participants will be able to take part in something that very few people do.

"Not many bases open up their gates to the general public and allow people to run on an operational runway," he said. "That's what makes the Runway Run so great, people can see our beautiful base with their own eyes and enjoy running on the same place where Offutt's aircraft depart to support contingency operations around the globe."

Runway Run started in 2008 as a part of Air Force Week and had more than 200 participants in its second year.

Megan Lucas, the president and chief executive officer of the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce, as well as the organizer for the event, said the 2010 edition of the race offers something for everyone.

The race is open to everyone and runners should participate for the joy of running, the uniqueness of the route and to improve their overall health, Ms. Lucas said.

Ms. Lucas explained that the 7-mile race will include three aid stations with water and medical personnel at each one, as well as refreshments at the end. Those who complete the race in the top three in their age group, will receive medals and every participant will receive a T-shirt.

One Offutt warrior, who finished the inaugural Runway Run with a time of 57 minutes and 51 seconds, missed the 2009 event because he had to support his mother who was having some health problems, said he'll be running in this year's event, and since the race is on Mother's Day, he'll have his mother in mind when he does.

"I just finished one of my long runs as I was preparing to run the Lincoln Marathon when I learned my mother was in the hospital and things didn't look good," said Jerome K. Agnew, a program management analyst with the 55th Force Support Squadron.

Mr. Agnew quickly made arrangements to fly home so he could be by his mother's side.
Today, Mr. Agnew said his mother is doing much better and he'll be thinking of her, as well as everything she's been through with every step he takes on May 9.

Airman 1st Class Jarvis T. Cobb, an installation personnel readiness technician with the 55th FSS, also plans to participate in the race.

"I love to run and I feel I'm up for this challenge," he said.

Airman Cobb, who completed the 5K race here during the 55th Wing's Sports Day in 2009, said by participating in the Runway Run, he and those who complete the race will be better for it.

Completing a seven-mile race has a positive impact on people's self confidence, Airman Cobb said. "It leaves a mental seed that any physical goal is attainable."

For Airman Cobb though, the greatest thing about the race is that it's on Mother's Day.

"I have two friends whose mothers have breast cancer, so I will be thinking about them as I run to remind myself that health and family is important," he said.

Registration for the race is $20 prior to April 23. For those who register after April 23 the cost is $25.

Anyone interested in participating in the 2010 Runway Run can download the entry form by visiting www.bellevuenebraska.com. People can also register online at www.omaharun.org.