Mud run begins Air Force Week Sacramento

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Matthew Bates
  • Defense Media Activity-San Antonio
RANCHO CORDOVA, Calif. (AFNS) --  Air Force Week Sacramento kicked off with a splash Sept. 5 as thousands of people participated in the 10th annual Mather Mud Run at Hagan Community Park here. 

Air Force Week Sacramento is designed to expose the local population to the incredible power and capabilities of the Air Force and strengthen support for Airmen serving worldwide in the defense of freedom. 

The week's first event, the Mud Run, featured numerous obstacles, including low walls, tunnel crawls, a tire run, hay bale jumps and a large mud pit. The race was divided into a two- or five-mile course and competitors either ran as individuals or as teams. 

Among the competitors were Airmen from Travis Air Force Base, Calif., located in nearby Fairfield. 

"We just came out to support Air Force Week and have some fun running the course," said Senior Airman Jason Bell, a member of one team from the 60th Security Forces Squadron at Travis AFB. "It was fun getting into the mud and it's something I'd definitely do again." 

But Airmen didn't only participate in the event; some helped organize it. 

"With an event like this, there's a lot of coordination that takes place between the base and the local community," said Tech. Sgt. David Lopez, a 60th SFS member who was also the base's main lead for the Mud Run. "But we wanted to participate in the run this year, make it part of Air Force Week, and show the community what we do on a daily basis." 

The Air Force Band of the Golden West performed during the event and several military and civilian aircraft performed flyovers at regular intervals. There were also Air Force vehicles and equipment on display and several information booths set up at the event site. 

Although the Mud Run began Air Force Week Sacramento, the week will officially begin Sept. 8 with a proclamation signing by Air Force leaders and key government officials on the steps of the California State Capitol building. 

Other events taking place throughout the week include several performances by Tops in Blue, the Air Force's premiere entertainment group, speaking engagements by Air Force senior leaders and demonstrations by the United States Air Force Honor Guard Drill Team. 

The week will culminate with an air show at Mather Airport Sept. 12 and 13 with numerous aerial acts to include the Air Force Thunderbirds, the Air Force's premier aerial demonstration team, performing both days. 

"Air Force Week Sacramento will highlight the great work being done by America's Airmen around the globe right here at home," said Col. James Vechery, 60th Air Mobility Wing commander. "This event is a wonderful opportunity for Sacramento and the Northern California community to meet the magnificent Airmen who make the Air Force the greatest Air Force in the world." 

For more information and recent updates, visit the Air Force Week Web site at www.airforceweek.af.mil or call the Travis AFB public affairs office at (707) 424-2011.