Oct 1, 2008 12:00 PM

Running events large and small promote fitness, encourage community and bring notoriety to U.S. military branches.

At one time, running a marathon or even a half marathon was an option for only an elite group of serious runners. However, as running participation numbers have grown to more than 41 million people in the United States, the demand for running events has increased. Runners use the events to set a goal and train for something special as a means to get or stay fit. The branches of the military are addressing this need and encouraging activity in their communities by creating races of every size and scope. The branches plan and host everything from 5Ks to full marathons. In return, military fitness centers are drawing outside attention to and appreciation of the U.S. Armed Forces and are building camaraderie, morale and fitness among service members. Some military running events only involve runners from their community and surrounding areas, but others draw participants from around the world. The following pages feature some of the running events and programs that are drawing crowds at bases in the Air Force, Army, Marine Corps and Navy.

Air Force: Does It All

Air Force Fitness describes its running program in two words: In Training.

This program provides Air Force fitness centers with an online turnkey promotion that helps new runners get started by providing tips, training schedules and an easy-to-use tracking system.

“In partnership with several corporate sponsors, we are dedicated to growing runners in the Air Force community, military and civilians alike,” says Margaret Treland, Air Force Fitness chief. “We know there are people who are interested in running but, for one reason or another, just haven't gotten started. This program will be a way for people to meet other runners in their area and track their progress online.”

The tracking system acts as a virtual coach, logging distances and allowing runners to see how they compare to others through an online community. The training regimen is designed to help a person train, regardless of their initial skill level, for the U.S. Air Force Marathon in Dayton, OH. However, runners can apply the training tips and schedules to any race, Treland says.

In Training launched in May and already has 3,600 users. Besides increasing participation in the marathon, Treland says, other program goals include educating people on the benefits of running and encouraging participants to develop more active lifestyles.

The program can be used on its own or in tandem with other programming. At the Rambler Fitness Center on Randolph Air Force Base, TX, In Training is enhanced with brochures, nutritional seminars and group training runs. Rey Salinas, head of Randolph's running program, plans a yearly schedule of races with a variety of times and distances. The events are open only to Department of Defense (DoD) cardholders.

One of the most popular runs was the Freedom Run on Sept. 11, which is in honor of those who lost their lives in the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, 2001. The event typically draws more than 150 runners, Salinas says.

“It's a great experience, and with civilian DoD people and active duty, it's really a community coming together,” he says. “We have spouses and parents who come out and support their loved ones. It's a family-based event.”

Army: A Perfect 10

Promoted as the largest 10-mile race in America and the second largest in the world, the Army Ten-Miler (ATM) is a force to be reckoned with in the running event industry. Held earlier this month in Washington, DC, the road race normally draws 26,000 runners.

For this year's race, registration sold out in a record 21 days.

“The Army Ten-Miler has a strong brand,” says Jim Vandak, race director, “and we are pleased with the continued success of this race.”

Although specific figures weren't available for public release, all proceeds of the race benefit Army Morale, Welfare and Recreation, the comprehensive network of support and leisure services designed to enhance the lives of soldiers and their families, says Nancy Brandon, marketing manager. The race costs $47 per runner, and more than half of ATM runners are from the Washington, DC, area. Six full-time employees organize the race each year, resulting in a high-profile running event that promotes the sport of running and overall fitness, she says.

The race draws a mix of military and non-military runners. Fifty-seven percent of runners are affiliated with the military as either DoD cardholders or U.S. federal government employees. The event draws slightly more men than women (56 percent men vs. 44 percent women), and 66 percent of participants are between the ages of 25 and 44 years old. This year's race also included four teams involved with Missing Parts in Action, a group of military amputees. Some of them are double amputees.

Each year, the event is marketed through radio and print advertising, mailed postcards and e-mails.

“Fifty percent of our runners are return customers, and the others usually hear about the race by word of mouth,” Brandon says.

So what makes the ATM so popular? Location and its affiliation with the Army, Brandon says.

“We are the only race to start and end at the Pentagon,” she says. “We are the Army's race, and people come out to support the soldiers.”

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