Day of the Zombie Run

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Chanhda Ly
  • 439th Airlift Wing
WESTOVER AIR RESERVE BASE, Mass. --  The Westover Fitness Center staff hosted the first Zombie Apocalypse Run Oct. 30, at the Dogpatch training area. The fun run was scheduled for 4:30 p.m. and volunteers from various units on base were dressed as zombies chasing runners throughout an obstacle course. "It makes for good comradery," said Janice Wheeler, manager of the base fitness center. The event brings all branches of service closer together. Members of the U.S. Air Force, the Marine Corps, MEPS, the base fire department, the civil engineering squadron, security forces, and outdoor recreation were all out on the field participating. This run differs from the previous ones hosted by the fitness center as it contains an obstacle course. The obstacle course included a tire maze, an over-under hurdle, a haunted house, a low crawl, balance beams, and buildings to weave in and out of. "We always do a 5k and it usually runs from the fitness center out to dog patch," said Wheeler. "But my staff and I brainstormed and came up with the zombie run." Over two dozen participants came out to Dog Patch, where half were volunteers and half were runners. Lt. Col. Rodney Furr, commander of 439th Force Support Squadron was also on site to oversee the event. "I believe fitness is the key to healthy living,"; said Lt. Col. Furr. "I think we should offer as many opportunities to our personnel to get out do something and enjoy themselves." The run was open to all base personnel and their families. "Different branches have different fitness standards, said Furr. "I think it's great that they can exchange how their fitness test differ and can possibly help each other out." The Fitness Center." next event, the Turkey 5k, was held for Nov. 15, 2018.