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Base, community members run together in buffalo stampede

  • Published
  • By 1st Lt. Stacey Fenton
  • 90th Missile Wing Public Affairs
F. E. WARREN AIR FORCE BASE, Wyo. --  The 34th annual Buffalo Stampede run was held on base July 21 as part of the Fort D. A. Russell Days activities.

The run consisted of a 5K and 10K course beginning and ending at Ft. Warren Ave. The race was open to the public, and a total of 149 people registered.

Lt. Col. Feugate Opperman, 320th Missile Squadron commander, said more runners participated in this year's event than any year prior.

"I like this event because it offers something a little different from all the other activities surrounding Cheyenne Frontier Days and Fort D. A. Russell Days," said Feugate Opperman. "This is one of our unique events this time of year in which we get to open our doors to the community."

Runners from Cheyenne and nearby communities came out to enjoy a good workout or compete for their personal best times.

Josh Gonzales of Fort Collins, Colo., ran in his first Buffalo Stampede this year.

"I wanted to run today because I knew there would be really good competition for all levels of ability, and it's always fun to meet new people at these races." Gonzales said. He finished third in the 5K race.

Col. George Farfour, 90th Missile Wing vice commander, said a few opening remarks before officially starting the race.

"Events like this allow us to further cement our close relationship with the community," said Farfour. "Our open house, Fort D. A. Russell Days, also provides an opportunity to see a little bit of what their Air Force does every day and learn about our heritage - a heritage we share with Cheyenne that goes back 144 years."

Clint Reading won the 5K with a time of 17 minutes and 7 seconds. The female 5K winner was Austin Asay with a time of 23 minutes and 22 seconds. Airman 1st Class Mark Currell, 319th Missile Squadron chef, won the 10K with a time of 32 minutes and 43 seconds. The female 10K winner was Sharon Snyder with a time of 43 minutes and 51 seconds.

Runners also competed for the best times in their age groups for males and females.

The event concluded with an announcement of the winners for each category and closing remarks by Col. Farfour.

"The relationship between the Air Force and the community here is amazing," Farfour said. "We appreciate you being here, and we appreciate how all of you support us every day as we perform our nuclear deterrence mission."


Winners by category
5K Male:
29 and under: Marcus Benzel, 17.27
30 to 44: Clint Reading, 17.07
45 and up: Richard Bishop, 19.16		 10K Male:
29 and under: Airman 1st Class Mark Currell, 32.43
30 to 44: Seth Forwood, 46.45
45 and up: Brent Weigner, 43.52
5K Female:
29 and under: Austin Asay, 23.22
30 to 44: Amy Moon, 24.40
45 and up: Kim Heiduck, 38.32		 10K Female:
29 and under: Sharon Snyder, 43.51
30 to 44: Michele Bokovatz, 52.07
45 and up: Chris Hall, 48.11