Join the 509 Running Club: Time off for miles run

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Brigitte N. Brantley
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  Whiteman runners of all skill levels can now sign up for a program that rewards their running with time off.

The "509 Running Club" rewards any 509th Bomb Wing Airman who runs 509 miles in a 12-month time span with a three-day pass. Alternatively, those daunted by running a distance roughly equaling the miles between Kansas City and Nashville can instead choose to run 509 kilometers (roughly 316 miles) to earn a one-day pass.

"Running has an obvious and direct connection to Air Force fitness," said Brian Kirby, health promotion director for the Whiteman Health and Wellness Center. "With this program, we hope to highlight and emphasize even more how important running is. Time off for miles ran? It's a great program!"

Participants must have their distance recording device approved by a HAWC member before starting, and it can be anything from a pedometer to a GPS watch.

Even after initially signing up, Airmen who started working toward the one-day pass realize they are on track to run the full 509 miles have a one-time chance to upgrade and work toward the three-day pass.

As many avid runners may find it easy to complete the program, Kirby said the program is geared toward a different group of people.

"We really want this to be an incentive for Airmen who run occasionally but who don't think of themselves as 'runners,'" Kirby said. "By simply setting a goal and committing to running a few miles a week, they can reach 509 kilometers or miles."

The math boils down to running about six miles a week for the one-day pass, or about 9.75 miles a week for the three-day pass.

Kirby added that Airmen who think that mileage is a lofty goal can get in touch with the HAWC's exercise physiologist, Angela Anderson. She provides a monthly Running Clinic to "educate and assist individuals in all skills to run safer, farther and faster," said Kirby.

So far, seeing such an attainable goal has been motivational for some of the runners.

"Having this program is well worth the effort for people who already run," U.S. Air Force Staff Sgt. Tyler Olcott, a 509th Maintenance Group weapons loader who has already logged more than 140 miles. "It gives runners a goal and is something to work toward."

Runners must stop by the HAWC monthly to log their miles, and the program may only be completed once per year. For more information, call the HAWC at (660) 687-7662.

The 509 Running Club is part of the broader Leadership Pathways program, which also gives Airmen the chance to earn time off for attending classes that help develop their skills as they advise, supervisor, mentor and teach. Spouses and family members of active-duty members may also participate to earn commissary gift cards.