Pease opens new running track

U.S. Air Force Col. James Ryan, Commander, 157th Air Refueling Wing, New Hampshire Air National Guard, cuts the ribbon during the grand opening of a new running track, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H. Oct. 15, 2016. The purpose of the new track is to give Airmen a safe, dedicated space for running in preparation for and execution of fitness tests, as well as to enhance personal physical fitness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz)

Pease opens new running track

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Matthew Caporale and Airman 1st Class Arielle Longhi take a run on the new running track, Pease Air National Guard Base, N.H., Oct. 15, 2016. The purpose of the new track is to give Airmen a safe, dedicated space for running in preparation for and execution of fitness tests, as well as to enhance personal physical fitness. (U.S. Air National Guard photo by Staff Sgt. Curtis J. Lenz)

New running track paves way for fit force

Published Oct. 16, 2016
By Tech. Sgt. Erica Rowe
157th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs

PEASE AIR NATIONAL GUARD BASE, N.H -- The Airmen at the 157th Air Refueling Wing now have a new quarter mile running track to assist in staying 'Fit to Fight.'

After more than a year of planning and 60 days of construction, the new track was officially revealed at a ribbon-cutting ceremony here, Oct. 15.

"This is a benefit for the entire wing," said Col. James Ryan, 157 ARW commander. "This is our investment into our Airmen and our future as a whole, and this is what we want for our folks...a safe running area where we can improve our health, our endurance, tenacity, and ultimately, a lifelong contribution to the Guard and this world."

The track, which has been in planning for more than a year, finally came to execution after several organizations, such as the Enlisted Council and the First Sergeant's Council, sought this out as one of their initiatives.

"A huge thank you to all the Airmen who voiced their opinion," said Tech. Sgt. Amanda Bogue, Enlisted Council president. "It's great to see it actually come to fruition, and to be one of the very few guard bases who have a running track."

To commemorate this special occasion, two Airmen from the Pease ANGB Student Flight were chosen to make an honorary run around the track.

"It felt great being one of the first runners on the track," said Airman 1st Class Matthew Caporale, who intends on using the track many times in the future. "I like it better than the road because it's much safer."

Under the previous physical fitness testing system, Airmen were required to run a set route on base, but due to ongoing construction and various other factors, the testing route was moved several times.

Bogue stated that this new track "will allow Airmen to have a consistent course to test on, as well as provide a safe alternative to running on the road free from traffic."

In the future, Ryan hopes to build an infrastructure near the track, which will give Airmen the ability to complete all components of the physical fitness test.