Kirtland AFB hosts back-to-school run Published Aug. 11, 2011 By Todd Bailey Nucleus staff writer Kirtland Air Force Base -- Normally, Rhonda Steen sets up a 5K run on a monthly basis for running enthusiasts at Kirtland Air Force Base. But at 6 p.m., Aug. 12, Steen, the Kirtland AFB Special Event Coordinator, wants to include the kids in the shorter 1.5K Back to School Fun Run. The event, which is free to everyone, starts at the corner of Pennsylvania and G street, one block south of McDonalds. "This is different than our monthly 5K runs because we want to make this a more family-friendly event," Steen said. "We try to encourage families with their children to participate. They can either walk or run." Steen said last year's back to school run had 28 participants and Steen is looking for that total to increase this year. It does help that there are some incentives for parents. "We're going to be offering some school supplies to support the families," Steen said. "It's not a lot, but it's something to get more families involved." Steen said that not everyone who participates are families, some show up because their Physical Training Leaders bring them. "We have some PTLs who will show up with their units and participates part of their fitness training," Steen said. "They'll normally come to the fitness center and we'll make an announcement and then they show up to participate. It's a lot of fun." Steen said that this is the only 1.5K run the base hosts and that next month, there will be a return to the standard 5K runs. For more information or to register, call the East Fitness Center, 846-1102; the West Fitness Center, 846-1068 or the Youth Center, 853-5437.