Wing to host first 5K Run, Walk, Crawl August UTA

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Tanisha Brown
  • 512th AW Public Affairs
DOVER AIR FORCE BASE, Del. --  The 512th Airlift Wing will host its first 5K Run, Walk or Crawl event here Aug. 6.

The event is open to all Department of Defense cardholders and their family members. Registration will begin at 7 a.m. outside of the base fitness center, and the run will begin at 8 a.m. Only those interested in competing for the event's awards program need to register. All others are welcome to participate for fun.

The approximate 3.1 mile course will begin at the fitness center, take participants down Atlantic Avenue past the track, and loop around the flight line to finish back at the fitness center.

"The event is intended to help promote the wing's support for fitness, enhance esprit de corps, and provide a competitive event for the wing's running enthusiasts," said Chief Master Sgt. Christopher Ford, 512th Maintenance Squadron superintendent.

A combination of Chief Ford's enthusiasm for running and participation in the monthly runs held by the 436th AW prompted the chief and a few wing first sergeants to host a run for the Liberty Wing.

"I'm an avid runner; I participate in a lot of 5K runs in the local community, as well as runs on base," said Chief Ford.

This is a great opportunity for people to get together, socialize and compete, he added.
This event is open to everyone, including novice athletes.

"Everyone's level is acceptable," said Chief Ford. "That's the great thing about this event, it was planned to meet anyone's level of fitness.

"A key component of fitness is movement. Whether running, walking or a combination of the two, the key is for the wing to get together and get moving to promote its support of fitness and enhance morale."

Staff Sgt. Timothy Cordero, 512th Financial Management customer service technician, agrees with Chief Ford.

"I've participated in an endurance run like this before, and it's a real confidence booster," said Sgt. Cordero."Events like this are difficult sometimes, and you end up surprising yourself with your performance."

He hopes he's able to run for the entire course without having to walk, but his ultimate goal is to have fun and represent the financial management office, he said.

Awards will be given to the first overall male and female winners and top male and female winners in four fit test age groups: under 30, 30-39, 40-49 and 50-59.

The winners of the event will be announced at the 512th AW biennial picnic, which will be held from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Aug. 6 at the Eagle's Nest picnic area.