Team McConnell participates in annual Family Fun Run

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Laura Suttles
  • 22nd Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs
MCCONNELL AIR FORCE BASE, Kan. --  More than 30 Team McConnell Airmen and family members joined in the 9th annual Family Fun Run on the base track, May 16.

The Family Fun Run originated in Spokane, Washington where it was known as "Bloomsday." Adults participating in the run would complete a 7.46 mile course. Their children, upset that they could not participate in such a long distance run, requested a children's run, resulting in "Junior Bloomsday."

This family run is in its 24th year for children and young adults ranging from the ages 5 through 13 years. There are four separate running groups. Children between 5 and 6 years try to run a half mile while the 7 through 8 year olds push for a mile run. The older 9-13 year old group aims for two miles and adults run a 5k. More than 120,000 children have earned tee-shirts for participating in the annual fun run.

Ben Gaines, youth center program director, launched the event for McConnell Air Force Base back in 2000. McConnell is just one of approximately 140 locations that participate in the annual Family Fun Run. This year McConnell had approximately 30 children and adults lead the way. Every person who participated received a free tee-shirt and a badge stating their age range. 

For more information on programs such as the Family Fun Run, please contact the youth center at 759-4070 or the Airman and Family Readiness Center at 759-6020.