Fun Run prepares members for re-vamped fitness standards

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. John Hughel
  • 142nd Fighter Wing
Portland Air National Guard Base, Portland, Ore. --  The unseasonably sunny and warm weather during the February Unit Training Assembly was the perfect setting for a fun run hosted by the 142nd Mission Support Group on February 20th, 2010.

As runners and walkers huffed and puffed over the course of the 1.5-mile fitness course, the turnout was high where nearly 200 Airmen got an early start on this year's physical fitness test due this summer.

Lt. Col. Stephanie Baenen helped organize the event and was one of the runners involved in running the slightly longer distance of 1.8 miles around the Portland Air National Base perimeter road. Chief Master Sgt. Donna Kirkpatrick from the Force Support Squadron cheered on runners as they finished.

"Fitness for the Fighter Wing falls under the Force Support Squadron, and events like the fun run are a good starting point for measuring improvement for our Airmen," said Kirkpatrick.

Chief Kirkpatrick also set up a St. Patrick's Day 5K run on March 17th, that was open to all airmen and soldiers on base.

The fun run was also another way to help Airmen get to meet Airmen from other work sections and to enjoy the near 60-degree weather during the weekend.

"This weather is perfect for running," said 2nd Lt. Grant Remington.

With the June fitness test on the horizon, training events like the fun run help all members of the 142nd Fighter Wing prepare for the new standards that Air Force has made to test fitness levels.