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Team Pope Won't Stop Running

  • Published
  • By 2nd Lt. Cammie Quinn
  • 43rd Airlift Wing, Public Affairs
POPE AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. --  It's back with a vengeance. The annual Team Pope Endurance Relay is set to challenge participants in several competitions ranging from running, walking and even flipping tires.

Pope Airmen, Soldiers, families and friends are invited to sign up and participate in the 2010 Endurance Run April 29 through 30 at the Fitness Center. The run, hosted by Pope's Company Grade Officers' Club, is scheduled to include a 12- and 24-hour relay, a strongman competition and a wide variety of family activities to raise money and benefit the Air Force Assistance Fund.

"First and foremost, the purpose of the endurance relay is to acquire sponsors for the relays and Strong Airman Competition which will benefit the AFAF," said 1st Lt. Chad Warner, 2nd Airlift Squadron. "All the money (participants) get from the sponsors is then donated to the AFAF." Lieutenant Warner is the coordinator for the event this year.

The AFAF was established to raise funds for charities which support Air Force families in need, said Lieutenant Warner. In the past, the AFAF has donated more than $9 million nationwide, with more than $125,000 benefitting Pope Airmen.

The theme for this year's event is "Running Down a Dream." By coordinating between participants and the beneficiaries, the participants are able to run to the finish line and raise money in order to provide support for Air Force families.

Although fun, the run isn't for the faint of heart.

"It was hard, running at three in the morning," said Jon P. Felmet, 43rd Airlift Wing, said of his experience in last year's run. "It's awesome seeing everyone out there running together, and it's a great feeling to watch as the clock finally counts down to zero."

During the 12- and 24-hour relays, teams of three to 10 people are required to maintain at least one person from their team on the track throughout the relay. Participants must run one full lap, and are allowed to leave the track anytime after the lap is complete.

The day is open to more than just running. Participants confident in their strength, are invited to take part in a Strong Airman Competition. Events of the competition include an atlas stone/farmer carry, tire flip, vehicle push and wheel barrow push, among others. Teams of three individuals can participate, and must include at least one female.

If running and tire-pushing are unappealing, several volunteer opportunities exist.
Volunteers can help with set up, shut down, counting laps and serving food.

"Go ahead, start getting your squads pumped to have some fun, earn bragging rights and raise money for our Airmen and their families," said Lieutenant Warner.

To register and for more rules and regulations, visit the EIM site at https://eim.amc.af.mil/org/43aw/PHP/EnduranceRun/default.aspx