LANGLEY AIR FORCE BASE, Va. –
Get your running shoes ready -- the 633d Force Support Squadron will host the inaugural Joint Base Langley-Eustis "Race 'Round the Base," a 10-mile and 5K run around Langley Air Force Base Dec. 11.
According to Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Shipman, the event organizer, the 10-mile course will encompass the Langley airfield, while the 5K course consists of an out- and- back run along the flightline jogging trail. Each race will originate from and conclude at the Shellbank Fitness Center.
"The course we mapped out is very scenic, including a run through the woods, along the bay and a finishing stretch coming down the flight line," Sergeant Shipman said. "You won't find another race like this in the area."
Registration for both races costs $30, and is limited to the first 300 people. Each participant will receive a moisture-wicking shirt, water bottle and towel. In addition, runners who complete the 10-mile run will receive a medal. Registration is open to active-duty personnel and their family members until Dec. 7.
The 10-mile race concept was born from the esprit de corps of the JBLE union, accomplished through the recent Full Operational Capability achieved in October.
"Initially it started as a warm-up race to the Air Force Marathon, as we were going to do it in the summer," said Sergeant Shipman."The race length was inspired by the standup of JBLE. The Army hosts a lot of 10- mile races, which is a different concept for most Air Force personnel."
Sergeant Shipman and the 633 FSS team worked along the Peninsula Track Club to make the race a reality, which required a considerable amount more coordination than basic 5K races commonplace at Langley.
"There's way more planning than I expected. We do 5K and 10K races all the time, but this one is on a different level," he said. "I've done a ton of coordination with Mr. Jon Park from the Peninsula Track Club, and he's been steering us in the right direction. I can say that with his help and the effort we've put in, this should be a great event."
Editor's note: Are you ready to go the distance? To register, click here. The 5K begins at 9 a.m., and the 10-mile race begins at 9:15 a.m. For more information, call Senior Master Sgt. Bryan Shipman at 225-8165.