New route winds through history, culture

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Jacob Jimenez
  • Northwest Guardian
JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. --  Airmen at Joint Base Lewis-McChord have something new to look forward to before starting their weekends.

Due to construction on the JBLM Joint Base Connector road, McChord Field leadership has implemented a new route for the weekly "Team McChord Run."

The route changed as a result of the Barnes Gate closing Dec. 15 and the opening of McChord Field's East Gate.

"Traffic would have to use the roads for the old route, (requiring) us to change it," said Capt. Stephen Cash, 62nd Airlift Wing commander's action group deputy chief.

The new route was run once in December before the holidays, but the runs resumed Jan. 9 on a weekly basis.

The new route offers Airmen a new, more exciting experience, Cash said.

"The new route is a more scenic route that provides a sense of history and heritage," Cash said. "It provides a different optic."

To prevent traffic congestion, the new route takes Airmen along McChord Field's flightline and through Heritage Hill. Like the old route, the new route begins and ends in front of Building 100.

"There is something about seeing a C-17 take off while you're running and knowing that you're part of an organization that makes that happen, that causes you to push on," Cash said. "Running through Heritage Hill's air park and witnessing our history and seeing how far we've come as an Air Force is also inspiring."

Many of the changes to the route were focused on enhancing the exercising experience, Cash said.

"This is something that affects everybody," Cash said. "We wanted to make it safe, visually appealing, challenging and fun to run."

The changes to the route were important to help build morale, Cash said.

"The run gives us an opportunity to come together as one and do PT together that reinforces the aspect of what it means to be an Airman," Cash said. "There is something foundational in knowing that we are all in this together."

Since implementing the new route, Airmen have responded with positive feedback, Cash said.

"I like the new route better because the hills give you more of a workout than the flat service on the old route," said Airman 1st Class Romel Timothy, 627th Logistic Readiness Squadron vehicle management and analysis analyst. "I look forward to ending my work week with a bang."

The Barnes Gate is closed until March 27. It is still being determined whether or not the new route will remain the same following the reopening of the gate later this year.