Color explosion at Base Lake, more than 500 present

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Rachelle Blake
  • 55th Wing Public Affairs
OFFUTT AIR FORCE BASE, Neb. --  The 55th Force Support Squadron hosted a Color Explosion Fun Run Sept. 27 at the Base Lake.

"The run involved not only aerobic exercise, but fun," said U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Anthony F. Smith Jr., 55th Force Support Squadron fitness program manager. "The Offutt version was two and a half miles, and while running, the participants were splashed by different colors at four stations along the route. Once the race was over, the last stop was activated and there was a color burst in the air."

The color is what one of the runners found so appealing about the run.

"I ran because I really wanted to come out here and have a good time," said Wendy Louie, wife of U.S. Air Force Tech Sgt. Gabrielle Louie, 55th Logistics Readiness Squadron. "My favorite part was running into all the color."

The run took more than three months of planning and the committee only expected about 150 people to sign up.

"We surpassed that in the first three days," Smith said. "We stopped sign up at 450 and still had people asking to sign up. We ended up with more than 500 runners."

Color Runs first began in 2012 in Phoenix, Arizona, and haven't slowed down since.

"Color runs have become real popular around the country and this was the first one at Offutt," Smith said. "I believe the fact that ours was free and open to the whole Team Offutt family is what made it such a success."

The physical aspect also played well into military fitness, according to Smith.

"It's our job as military members to stay ready to fly, fight, and win at all times," Smith said. "Physical Training is at an all-time high on the Air Force radar, so if you value your career it has to be a high priority. On a personal level, I believe it is important because the healthier we are, the better prepared we are to tackle anything. You feel better, not just physically, but mentally sharp and able to carry a better attitude."

Fortunately, this won't be the last fun run of the season.

"We have just finalized our calendar for the fiscal year and we have a few more of these types of runs scheduled," Smith said. "The next one is actually in October and it's a Zombie run. Information and sign-ups will be at the field house front desk."

The field house is also offering new classes.

"Customers should be on the lookout for a lot more programs and activities coming to the Offutt Field House," Smith said. "We have two new classes, Insanity and Fit to Fight, added to our free class schedule which starts Sept. 29."

They also encourage suggestions for events and classes by stopping in, calling or filling out a comment card. For additional information, call the Offutt Field House at (402) 294-5413.