JOINT BASE LEWIS-MCCHORD, Wash. – Soldiers of 17th Field Artillery Brigade, known as the Thunderbolt Brigade, will participate in a community 5k and 10k run in Tumwater on Aug. 16 at 8:30-11:30 a.m.
The brigade has a long and successful partnership with the cities of Tumwater and Olympia, and the Association of the United States Army Olympia/Tumwater sub-chapter. The Thunderbolt Soldiers recently participated in the annual Tumwater Fourth of July parade and in the famous Lake Fair parade in the City of Olympia. The AUSA sub-chapter has taken the lead in supporting the brigade by providing breakfast and lunch at multiple deployment boot camps on base. The boot camps are seminars that are intended to resource Soldiers and families in preparation for deployment.
Last year, the first Thunder Rumble run was organized by the same AUSA Sub-Chapter and its partnership with the 17th FA Brigade as an attempt to reach even further into the local communities. For the first run, more than 200 participants ran in the race, which included uniformed Soldiers that ran in formation, delivered a patriotic and motivating tone and inspired community members who were not used to cadence calls or formations running by.
This year, there are an expected 350 participants plus countless volunteers from the city of Tumwater, Port of Olympia and the city of Olympia. From flag bearers to water support to participating runners, the city of Tumwater will be converted to a city where community and troops will come together for a fun, healthy and interactive event.
Community organizations and businesses have all leaned in to support the attractive event, and there will also be post-race activities in support of all those who run.
For more information about this year’s Thunder Rumble 5k/10k please go to https://www.facebook.com/#!/ThunderRumbleRun or register at http://www.active.com/tumwater-wa/running/races/thunder-rumble-5k-10k-2014 where Soldiers, family and friends can register to participate in this year’s event.