HUNTER ARMY AIRFIELD, Ga. - Instead of sharing roads with cars and bicyclists, service members at Hunter will soon have a new asphalt-paved running trail on North Lightning Road to use for physical training each morning.
"We're excited about the new running trail," said Lt. Col. Jose Aguilar, Hunter Army Airfield garrison commander, who also runs daily on post. The trail is also available to bicyclists whenever service members are not using it for PT.
"The trail will mitigate the biggest threat [to service members who run] in our community - cars, runners and bikers - all on the roads from 6:30 - 7:30 a.m.," said Lt. Col. Aguilar.
The first phase of the 2.5 mile trail will be completed in November, at a cost of $100,000, according to Tim Brodman, acting DPW project manager. It will merge into an existing trail which is already partially complete, and will cost about $45,000. Construction on both phases is funded with money that Fort Stewart-Hunter Army Airfield won as an Army Community of Excellence participant. The trail's final phase of construction should begin soon and once started, is expected to be completed in four months.
The running trail begins on North Lightning Road, just past Pond 29 near the motor pool beside the 3rd Battalion, 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment. According to Lt. Col. Aguilar, that area is the most dangerous portion of Lighting Road where service members currently run.
The trail continues through the wooded area around Pond 29; crosses Stephen Douglas Rd. and continues in front of the 260th Quartermaster Battalion Headquarters building, where it connects to the existing trail, located near the Ranger Dining Facility.
The existing trail will be widened, said Brodman, beginning at the Ranger DFAC up to building 1208, used formerly by the Identification Card Section. It continues past the Garrison Headquarters Building and the 3rd Combat Brigade Headquarters Building on Lightning Rd., and ends at the small loop near the Military Police Station.
"I'll use the trail once it's completed," said Spc. Gregory Procopio, Hunter Garrison Headquarters. "The section through the wooded area will be nice."
According to Lt. Col. Aguilar, only platoon level groups of service members and higher brigade elements will be allowed to run on Hunter roads because of the danger factor.
"We had a couple of incidents," said Lt. Col. Aguilar, "but luckily, nobody was seriously injured, thanks to aggressive actions from Hunter leaders and our law enforcement staff who helped to minimize the risks.
"All units will be connected to a running trail once the second phase is completed," said Lt. Col. Aguilar.
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