Aviano Road Runners club offers unique experience

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Lindsey Maurice
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  Whether you are looking for a way to improve your physical training score or for a unique way to take in the surrounding Italian scenery, the Aviano Road Runners club may be the answer you are looking for. 

Now in its 36th year, the non-competitive group of civilian and military walkers, joggers and runners, meets weekly participating in various Volksmarch sanctioned events throughout the Friuli Venezia Giulia region. 

"I've been a part of the Road Runners since 1978 and can tell you it's a great experience," said Sandra Buna, Aviano Road Runners secretary. "It's not only a great way to stay fit and see the beautiful Italian countryside, but it's a great opportunity to meet people, especially local Italians. I have made so many close friends during my time with the club." 

The events, which usually take place on Sunday mornings, vary in terrain and range in three distances, typically around six kilometers, 12K and 21K. 

First Lt. Lisa Cepero of the 31st Fighter Wing said she has been with the group since December 2006 and tries to participate in as many events as she can along with her husband and their two dogs. 

"I tend to walk more often than run so I can enjoy the scenery," she said. "Some of the places the 'marcia's' are held at are amazing. There's everything from flat terrain through cornfields to hiking up a mountain around a lake. I typically participate in the mid-distance courses, but it's nice because you can build your way up to the longer distances and they vary depending on where you go." 

While the terrain of a course varies from week to week as the event locations change, there is usually a child and stroller friendly terrain participants with children can travel as well, said Ms. Buna. 

Catherine Loranger of the Aviano Base Exchange said she joined the group in 1985 with her husband and often took her sons on events with them. 

"Our children were 5 and 7 years old when we joined the group and walking each Sunday morning instilled a sense of fitness in them," she said. "They are grown men now and very active. They always enjoyed walking with us." 

Today, Ms. Loranger's husband runs several marathons a year, usually running the longest distance course offered during the Sunday events, while Ms. Loranger walks the 10-12K distances after suffering an injury in 1999 that ended her marathoner days. 

"I enjoyed running long distance, always challenging myself, but walking the short distances gives me a chance to enjoy the scenery and other people walking along with me," she said. 

Currently the Aviano Road Runners has about 50 members, averaging about 20-30 participants at each event. The group meets at Café Municipio in downtown Roveredo across from the town church every Sunday morning at 7:45 a.m. where they decide which event out of the ones being offered that day the majority wants to participate in, said Ms. Buna. 

"We are definitely a non-competitive group whether running or walking," said Ms. Buna. "People can complete the courses at their leisure. Prizes for the events are awarded to groups based on the number of participants as opposed to how quickly its members finish." 

Ms. Buna said the Road Runners have taken home many prizes in the past for its large number of participants in events including everything from gift baskets and trophies to livestock. 

"I remember at one event years back we were awarded pigs, chickens and rabbits for our group's participation," Ms. Buna said. "Some of the members took some of the animals home, while some of the animals were given to local farmers." 

To ensure the group prizes are distributed fairly, the Aviano Road Runners have worked out a system that after participating in 15 events, members are then eligible to be in a drawing for a prize that is awarded to the group. 

"We have found this to be a pretty fair way to ensure everyone gets to enjoy our rewards," said Ms. Buna. 

The Aviano Road Runners secretary added that there is no fee to join the club; however, each event usually has a small entry fee around 2 Euro. Event hosts generally offer a token souvenir of the day such as a T-shirt or small memento for an additional 3 to 4 Euro as well, that participants can purchase at their discretion. Many of the events also include refreshments such as drinks, cheese, salami, bread, cookies, soup and local delicacies. 

Master Sgt. Douglas Campfield of the 31st Maintenance Squadron said he joined the club in December 2007 after his flight leadership, which consisted of very active runners, committed him to the group before Christmas of that year. 

"Running in all the different locations set up by the local clubs is phenomenal," he said. "In a car you just can't take in the beautiful countryside like you can on foot. On foot is by far the best way to get out and see Italy." 

"Plus, if you're lucky enough to find someone similar in speed and endurance it takes running to a whole different level," Sergeant Campfield added. "I've never had so much fun laughing, joking and exercising at the same time. I just ran the Ecomaratona dei Cimbri with a Road runner friend in late September and it was five hours and 28 minutes of talking, laughing and getting muddy. As crazy as it sounds, it was an absolute blast." 

Fellow Aviano Road Runner Chuck Soeldner of the Global Credit Union said he has been with the group for 11 years and also enjoys the camaraderie and travel opportunities the club brings. 

"It's an excellent way to get some exercise and meet friends in the Italian community," he said. "For me, it has also been an excuse to travel to literally hundreds of towns and places that I would not have thought about or considered. And, this program (Volksmarching) is worldwide. I will be able to continue doing the walks nearly everywhere I may go in the future." 

For more information on the Aviano Road Runners, visit www.avianoroadrunners.org or call Ms. Buna at 632-7006/7209