Colors fly to start Rising Six 5K Fun Run

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U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Joseph Dangidang

The 452nd Air Mobility Wing’s Rising Six held its 2nd annual 5K Fun Color Run on Aug. 8 (The A Unit Training Assembly) at March Air Reserve Base’s old track. The annual event, a unique, paint and morale run to promote health and happiness, was free and open to all Team March members and their families.

The run began as a fun way to promote the Healthy Base Initiative (HBI), a demonstration project for Operation Live Well, (militaryonesource.mil/olw), aimed at increasing the health and wellness of the total force, including civilians and family members. Since HBI’s inception in 2013, March Field is the only Air Force Reserve base, of the 13 pilot sites selected, to participate in the program.

The interest and participation for the March 5K Fun Color Run has grown tremendously since last year.

“Everyone had a lot of fun with it last year,” said Staff Sgt. Anahi Ledezma, 452nd Communications Squadron. “People are becoming increasingly aware of these type events and seem to be glad to be able to participate at one here without having to pay so much to be involved.”

Maj. Gen. John C. Flournoy, Jr., commander, Headquarters 4th Air Force, March ARB, and his staff, participated to show their support for March junior enlisted Airman, who directly benefit from any donations received during the event.

“I’m having a great time (and) we are … combining that Fit to Fight with raising funds for our Airmen, which is great,” Flournoy said after the run. “I would do it again right now, having everyone out here together for the camaraderie. It’s a lot of fun!”

Participants, who were as diverse as the colors that showered each runner, smiled and laughed throughout the 5K course.

“It was a great event supported by the whole base,” said Lt. Col. Scott Jones, commander, 452 CES. “I’m proud to say the comm squadron was instrumental in setting up the run, and it was a well-supported event so we are thrilled about that.”

An added benefit of the fun run was fitness and raising donations for junior enlisted to attend the upcoming military ball.

“Fit to Fight is a key indicator of our ability to do the mission,” Jones said. “This is great for PT, to raise awareness for the ball, and it’s great for unit morale.”

In case you thought you missed it, there is one more opportunity to participate. The 5K Fun Color Run (part II) is scheduled for tomorrow morning, Saturday, Aug. 22. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the old track. Admission is free, however, if you can donate $10 – $15, it would be greatly appreciated to help fund military ball tickets for deserving, junior Airmen.

So, wear athletic attire (white is highly recommended), running shoes, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Bring water and a change of clothes to participate. One color packet will be provided to every runner for the mass color throw at the start of the run.

For more information, contact Ledezma at anahi.ledezma@us.af.mil.