Race calendar takes on new look

Events schedule trimmed to enhance participation; races begin March 17 with St. Patty’s Day 5K, 10K

Somer Breeze-Hanson/Northwest Guardian

The Joint Base Lewis-McChord Family and Morale, Welfare & Recreation 2012 race calendar kicks off in less than two months. And it will have a different look than previous years.

The calendar begins with the St. Patty’s Day 5K and 10K run March 17. The race and the majority of the runs, excluding the Triple Threat Triathlon Series, will operate out of the FMWR white tent located near Liggett Ave on JBLM Lewis Main.

“We’re trying to be more consistent with the race course,” JBLM Intramural Sports Coordinator Kathy Salcedo said. “There will be more consistency with staff and volunteers and we’re utilizing our resources better.”

The race calendar went from 13 races to 10 races this year, dropping the mountain bike course, the zombie run and the adventure race, which had the lowest participation numbers last year. Salcedo hopes slimming down the calendar will allow the staff to focus more on the other events.

The staff is working hard to put together a family friendly festival-type event for St. Patty’s Day. An authentic Irish band is set to perform in the tent and traditional food as well Guinness beer will be available.

Sabine Pullins, an Army spouse and avid marathon runner, is training for a 50-mile ultramarathon with Rich Hieb in June. But Pullins also has plans to participate in four of the MWR races: the JBLM Half Marathon, Turkey Trot, Santa’s Reindeer Dash, and the St. Patty’s Day run.

“MWR races are a wonderful way to bring our community together, and for this reason I always see my friends and visit with them whom I rarely get to see,” Pullins said. “The course layout is great for everyone, beginners to advanced runners, plus the post-run party is one of the better ones.”

Last year’s participation numbers encourages Salcedo as she gears up for this year. Last year was the first year participants had to pay to participate, but despite the fee there was greater participation in the Turkey Trot and Santa’s Reindeer Dash than the previous year when it was free.

Salcedo is hoping to keep the popular Santa’s Reindeer Dash at Eagle’s Pride Golf Course, but restructure the course so the 10K runners are not double backing over the 5K runners.

Another major change this year is the Down and Dirty Mud Runs are not on Armed Forces Day and Independence Day, but rather are June 30 and Aug. 4.

“Our MWR resources and sponsors are spread so thin on those days we moved it off those days so we can amp up those events,” Salcedo said.

There are no longer three tiers for registration, but rather only two: civilians and anyone affiliated with the Department of Defense.

For more information or to register for a race visit www.jblmmwr.com/race_calendar.htm.