Eight mile run to provide challenge

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Janine Thibault
  • 354th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
EIELSON AIR FORCE BASE, Alaska --  Runners looking for a challenge that will test their fitness and will power will have their chance at an eight-mile run Aug. 11 starting at 7 a.m. at Spruce Lake.

The event, coordinated by the 354th Force Support Squadron fitness center staff, features a route starting at Spruce Lake, heading to Arctic Survival School and finishing back at Spruce Lake, presenting a challenge with the hilly terrain. This event is not the usual fun run.

"People are looking forward to the run. It's been challenging putting the run together because of the seasons in Alaska, but people are interested and signing up for the event," said Senior Airman Edwardo Alvarado, 354th Force Support Squadron fitness specialist.

By holding the run, the fitness center staff is providing an organized sport for active duty, including those on location for RED FLAG-Alaska, guard and reserve servicemembers, and dependents over 18 years old.

During the mapping of the course, which started as a 5K, Straub and Alvarado found the view to be increasingly spectacular as they went higher. Ultimately, they ended the course further than planned with the idea that the view would take the runners minds off the run.

The eight mile course may be rigorous; however, runners at all levels are invited to participate.

"I know there are hardcore runners out here because we see them in here all the time. So we're trying to get those people out and have something for them too. Obviously it's for anybody that wants to run, we're not going to turn anybody away as long as they're of age," said Tech. Sgt. Joseph Straub, 354th FSS fitness supervisor.

First and second place prizes will be given in the men's and women's categories.

"It's pretty challenging and the uphill part of it is what's going to get people," said Straub

According to Alvarado, the event would not have been possible without the support received by Eielson agencies like 354th Force Support Squadron marketing, the 354th Medical Group and 354th Security Forces Squadron, and Fairbanks sponsors.

As this is the first time this event has been held here, coordinators are looking to see their creation take on new twists, grow, adapt from feedback and be molded by participants.

"I would like this to be an annual event so every summer this run comes up and gets bigger and more people [compete]," said Straub.

Straub and Alvarado hope the event puts Eielson on the map for having a good running event and people look forward to returning each year to run the course.

"Hopefully this will be a benchmark and they can keep it going every year and hopefully it can get bigger and maybe even longer, but eight miles is a good start," said Straub.

To sign up for the event or for more information, call the fitness center at 377-1925.