Running of the Bulls

  • Published
  • By Airman John D. Partlow
  • 374th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
YOKOTA AIR BASE, Japan --  As the sun rose July 27, members of the 374th Civil Engineer Squadron, the Bulls, gathered together for the Running of the Bulls.

Running of the Bulls was a voluntary 8-mile run around the perimeter of the base.

This is the first Running of the Bulls, and it demonstrates the squadron's commitment to physical fitness.

The 374th CES handles several types of jobs, everything from construction to fighting fires, so their job can sometimes be physically demanding. Participants were challenged to push themselves in order to prove that they could complete the run and reinforce confidence in their abilities.

"The purpose of the run was also to challenge ourselves to see what we could do," said Staff Sgt. Alfonso Dabdoub, 374th CES structural supervisor. "It showed everybody that running eight miles is possible."

To the participating CES members, the run was not just about themselves individually, but about everyone doing their best.

"A lot of us were supporting each other throughout the run," said Airman DiBenedetto. "We helped each other especially at the end of the run. Those that finished early encouraged those about to finish, all the way up to the last man."

For the approximately 30 participants, it was back to work after the run.

"We cleaned up, showered, then came back to work and pressed on," said Sergeant Dabdoub.