The Minot Air Force Base Running Club is gearing up for an exciting marathon season, with a little help from the Strong Bonds program. While the running club itself isn’t funded by the program, Strong Bonds, a chaplain-led resiliency initiative supported by the Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center (AIMSC), is sponsoring 35 members to participate in the Fargo Marathon this year. This includes 15 full marathon runners, 15 half marathon participants, and 5 runners in the 5k race. All slots were filled within the first week of registration, a testament to the enthusiasm and support for the event.
Strong Bonds, which has been supporting military personnel and their families in various ways since 2020, helps foster resilience through activities that strengthen relationships and build community. Chaplain Harris, a key figure in organizing these efforts, explained that Strong Bonds funds a wide range of activities for military members and their families, from marriage retreats to personal fitness events. For this particular event, the program is ensuring that participants are able to take part in the Fargo Marathon, one of the region’s most anticipated running events.
“The Strong Bonds program is designed to help military members and their families strengthen bonds in a variety of areas,” said Chaplain Harris. “For the Fargo Marathon, we are sponsoring 35 runners of all levels, from full marathoners to those running a 5k. The goal is not only to promote physical fitness but to foster camaraderie and mental resilience.”
The Minot Air Force Base Running Club has been a staple of the base for several years, providing an opportunity for personnel and their families to come together through a shared love of running. The club was originally established by a previous chaplain, and participants would travel to Bismarck for a marathon event that coincided with the Air Force Marathon. In previous years, participants were awarded medals from the official Air Force Marathon, further enhancing the sense of pride and unity among the runners.
Chaplain Harris shared that the running club is open to all and doesn’t require participants to be training for an event. The newly built Dome “bubble” at the base has made it even easier to run together year-round, regardless of the weather conditions. Whether they’re training for a marathon or simply looking to get some exercise, the club provides a welcoming space for everyone.
1st Lieutenant Cain, assigned to the 5th Civil Engineering Squadron, a dedicated member of the club, is aiming to complete the full Fargo Marathon this year. Lt Cain has been putting in consistent miles every Wednesday at the Dome, steadily working toward the big race day. Additionally, spouses of active-duty members, like Gabrielle Greco and Lily Almalayousif, are taking part in the weekly run club sessions. Mrs. Greco and Mrs. Almalayousif, both spouses of members from the 5th Civil Engineering Squadron and 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, attend the club to support their spouses while also staying active themselves.
“It’s great to have a space where everyone can come together, whether you’re training for a race or just out to get some steps in,” said one participant. “I’ve been wanting to run a full marathon for a while, and having this club, along with the Dome to train in, has been incredibly helpful”.
Beyond the Fargo Marathon, Strong Bonds is also supporting local races happening later this summer in Medora and Bismarck, North Dakota. These events are part of a larger effort to keep service members and their families active and engaged in healthy, positive activities that promote well-being and strengthen their connections to each other and their community.
The club meets every Wednesday at 5:30 p.m. at the Dome. For more information about the Minot Air Force Base Running Club and upcoming events, interested participants can contact the Minot AFB Chaplain Corps. Whether you’re a seasoned marathoner or a beginner, the running club offers a supportive environment where everyone can challenge themselves and work toward their goals.
