US Airmen volunteer at Thetford Parkrun UK Published Sept. 21, 2018 By Airman 1st Class Shanice Williams-Jones 48th Fighter Wing Public Affairs ROYAL AIR FORCE LAKENHEATH, England -- Airmen from Detachment 16, 372nd Training Squadron, based at Royal Air Force Lakenheath participated in the 300th Parkrun, Thetford, England, Aug. 15. Parkrun is an organization that hosts free weekly 5K and 2K runs worldwide to encourage runners of all levels and walks of life to do what they love with fellow community members. “The goal of the run is to get like-minded individuals together, to have people more involved in their fitness and to build community relations,” said Tech. Sgt. Tavis AC Gibson, Detachment 16, 372nd TRS F-15 crew chief instructor. Realizing an opportunity to motivate fellow Airmen to get involved with the local community, AC Gibson encouraged the Det. 16 Airmen to volunteer as timekeepers, barcode scanners or pre-event and post-event helping hands. “The detachment volunteers are always enthusiastic,” AC Gibson said. “Rain or shine, the community is always out there.” In support of the Thetford Parkrun’s 300th event, neighboring Parkrun U.K. communities rallied to assist and encourage participants and volunteers. “Thetford Parkrun wouldn’t be what it is today without our volunteers and runners,” said Melanie Sturman, Thetford Parkrun creator and run director. “We’ve had U.S. Air Force members as both runners and volunteers, and we are excited to see the faces of our close neighbors on the installations.” Sturman, an avid runner, said the event is more than a weekly run and has evolved into its own community. The camaraderie that is the bedrock of the Parkrun movement serves as an inspiration for both Airmen and local nationals looking to connect with the community where they reside, while being healthier individuals.