Jack's Valley Virtual March Back, July 25th at 7:00am
You've heard me mention the Grad March Back from Jack's Valley several times since the inaugural edition last summer. It's a well-conceived event in which USAFA graduates go to Jack's Valley and "march" back up to the Terrazzo behind the BCT squadrons. Despite limited advertising, a good crowd showed up for the first one and raved about how rewarding the experience was.
This year, thanks to the Global Unpleasantness, the 2nd annual version is cancelled. However, USAFA is encouraging grads, spouses, parents and friends of USAFA to put on their own virtual march back locally to support the Class of '24 as they finish their time in Jack's. You can do your own personal march anytime between the 18th and the 31st of July. Just pick any 6.2 mile course you like and march away. If you want to cover the chapter with glory, you can go to the Virtual March Back Log and log your effort. Make sure you put "Southern Arizona USAFA Family" in the Team Name block. The chapter's organized (loosely speaking) version will happen at Reid Park on 25 July. Show up at the parking lot east of Hi Corbett Field by 0700 so we can finish before it gets too hot. We'll say hello to old friends and new, take a few photos, and then commence marching. The entire event will be outside and masks won't be required. Social distancing will be honored per individual preference. Once we start, you can proceed at your own pace whether you want to run, jog or walk. We won't try to keep the whole group together. The course is 6.2 miles (10k) and is entirely contained on the dedicated paths around Reid and Randolph Parks. On this map, the green pin is where we'll start and finish. The red line is the actual path. The blue arrows show which direction to go. Note that if 6.2 miles is more than you want to walk at one time, you can break it up over as many sessions as you like. Please join us at the park and cover as much ground as you like. |
From USAFA.edu:
What’s the goal? Walk, run or march 6.2 miles What should I wear? Grads should wear their USAFA PT shirt and supporters can wear USAFA gear and colors (blue and gray). Class hats and other spirit gear is encouraged! Shirts, hats and face masks can be purchased at shop.goairforcefalcons.com. What are the rules? – Organize your March Back between July 18-31 – Come together with former classmates and fans to complete the 6.2 mile march – Log your march using our online Virtual March Back Log – Share photos and tag us using #MarchWith2024 or on the official Facebook events page – Stay safe and adhere to local COVID-19 social-distancing guidelines FAQs Q: Can I register a team? A: Yes! Each member of your team must still log their march individually using the march back log and indicate what team they are a part of using the team name slot. Q: Is there a limit to the number of people on my team? A: No! We encourage all friends, family and Grads to participate. Q: What does location mean? A: What city, state or country are you participating from? Q: Can I accomplish my march over several days? A: Participants are more than welcome to complete the march over several days. Additionally, there is no time cap to complete the 6.2 miles; however, all marches, walks and runs must be complete within the 18-31 July time period. Q: Can I do my march indoors on an elliptical or treadmill? A: There is no requirement for the march to be completed indoors or outdoors. You may complete your march using any exercise equipment as long as you keep to the spirit of the march in completing 6.2 miles in support of the Class of 2024. Q: Will prizes be awarded? A: While we will not award prizes, we do plan to highlight major event statistics – biggest teams – farthest distance from USAFA – classes or groups with the most participation etc. Q: 6.2 miles is a long distance, can we accomplish it as a relay? A: While the goal is to complete the entire 6.2 march in solidarity with the Class of 2024, we understand that this is not possible for all participants. Individuals who wish to break up the march into several days or spread it across their team may do so. Q: Can my team be virtual (spread out across the country)? A: Yes, the goal of this march is to bring the USAFA community together, virtually or in person. Q: I have difficulty walking, can I complete my march using a scooter? A: Yes! Your march is your own – please be safe. Q: Do I have to wear a mask when I march? A: We ask that you be safe and follow the COVID-19 safe social-distancing guidelines in your local area. |