By Gail Wood
Want to get a workout and say thank you to our military at the same time? Then run the Thunder Rumble 5K in Tumwater on August 17.
The first-year race that is for both runners and walkers is a fundraiser that helps support soldiers and their families.
“This event can certainly benefit the communities and the soldiers,” said Heidi Behrends Cerniwey, Tumwater’s communications and marketing director. “It’s a win, win.”
Race day registration costs $30 and begins at 7:30 a.m. at the starting line at Harbor Wholesale on 7845 Center Street in Tumwater. Early registration costs $25 and can be done by visiting the active.com website.
The 3.1-mile race begins at 8:30 a.m.
Captain Kim Batts, the coordinator of the race, said there will be some special “guests” in the race. About 150 of the 17th Fires Brigade will be running in formation and cadence. They won’t be wearing fatigues and boots, but shorts, unit T-shirts and sneakers.
It’s the 1-377 Field Artillery Battalion that is planning on running and they will be led by their commander LTC Wagner. Their entry in the race has a dual purposed – exercise and community relations.
“Just trying to get them to explore what’s south of us as well,” Batts said. “I’d love for more of our soldiers to sign up.”
The race is sponsored by by the United States Army Field Artillery (USAFA) Thunderbolt Chapter and AUSA Olympia/Tumwater Chapter. The USAFA is a professional non-profit organization that has members in multiple units across Joint Base Lewis-McChord and even some retirees.
Batts said the goal is to create an event that can become an annual run for the two organizations and Tumwater. Both chapters are soldier/civilian retiree organizations that work to support soldiers.
“USAFAA is soldier support,” Cerniwey said. “An AUSA group puts together packages for holidays. They also provide services and extra goodies for soldiers coming back from service.”
Several months ago, Batts asked the City of Tumwater if it would partner with the 17th Fires Brigade. It seemed a natural partnership. The 17th Fires Brigade has been the city’s adopted partner for the past couple of years.
“And we decided that a 5K would be a fun way to raise money and to encourage our soldiers to get out in our communities as well,” Kim said.
Setting up the 3.1-mile race course was simple. Tumwater’s Parks and Recreation Director Chuck Denny suggested they use the old certified course that was used for the retired Pioneer Race.
“We’re hoping that this becomes an annual event,” Batts said. “Luckily, the City of Tumwater already had an established course. It’s a registered and certified. We’re hoping to draw some serious runners because of that.”
With the Olympia-area having a strong running community, it’s likely that Batts will get her wish.
“It’s a nice, flat, paved course, so you can get some fast times on it,” Batts said. “They had it all set up. So, we just reached out and asked if we could have a 5K and they said that would be wonderful. Here’s our course.”
Cerniwey is anticipating sign ups for the race to spike in the last couple of weeks before the start of the race.
“Our experience is that most people don’t sign up until the last week or two prior to the race,” Cerniwey said. “The city is very happy to support this. We’re doing a few things to help set up and manage the race to keep people safe. Officers will be out there. It’s a way for us to contribute to this process.”
To register for the Thunder Rumble 5K, click here.
