Oceana Running Festival Set to Launch in Virginia Beach

February 5, 2020

VIRGINIA BEACH, VA – Navy League of Hampton Roads announced today the launch of an exciting new running event set on Naval Air Station Oceana. The Oceana Running Festival will be the first running event to be held entirely on the runway at Apollo Soucek Field. The inaugural event will consist of three race distances that include the “F-18K” (11.18 miles), the “Hard Deck 5K” (3.1 miles) and the “Tomcat Challenge” (the 18K plus 2.82 additional miles for a total of 14 miles) a nod to the F-14 Tomcat which took its last flight from Oceana in 2006.

Maryellen Baldwin, President and CEO of the Navy League of Hampton Roads, said today, “Navy League is honored to be part of the Oceana Running Festival. This event not only promotes health and wellness but invites the local community to support our military.”

“Physical fitness is core to the Navy’s culture.  NAS Oceana is proud to continue our long history of working closely with the local community to promote healthy lifestyles.  I encourage our Sailors, dependents, and neighbors to take advantage of opportunities like this to challenge themselves,” said Capt. John Hewitt, Naval Air Station Oceana Commanding Officer.

Registration for the 2020 Oceana Running Festival will open at 6 a.m. (EST) on Saturday, February 1, 2020. The registration fee for the “F-18K” and the “Hard Deck 5K” will start at $50 and $35 respectively, with a $5 per person discount for Active Duty Military Members. Registration for the “Tomcat Challenge” will be available to the first 250 participants who sign up. Tomcat Challenge participants, in addition to a unique one-of-a-kind medal, will also receive a special challenge coin commemorating the Tomcat and their 14 Mile Run.

Additional event details will be released later this year, including medals, special guests, and post-race party on the flight line specifics. Stay tuned to the Ocean Running Festival event page on Facebook and on Instagram @oceanarunningfest. Registration information including additional details about the Oceana Running Festival are available at www.oceanarunningfestival.com or by emailing Race Organizers at info@oceanarunningfestival.com.

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