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Red White and Blue runs with you

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Kaitlyn Brewer
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  As the sun creeps down to hide behind the trees, streaks of red, white and blue stream down a road in downtown Sumter, South Carolina. Red White and Blue running group finishes the last stretch of their run before drinking complimentary waters and talking about life, after sweating together.

Sumter’s RWB running group is a chapter of the international group that runs worldwide. Originally it was a means for veterans to get out and connect with their local communities by running and starting conversations between active duty members, veterans and local runners. It also serves as a great way for those who have physical training tests to stay in shape and push themselves.

“There’s good comraderie running with the group,” said U.S. Army Brig. Gen. Jeff Van, United Services Army Central Command assistant chief of staff.


“There’s always a nice interaction with the local community and the military when we do these runs,” said Van. “We really get the opportunity to talk about what we actually do at Shaw.”

The group provides members the opportunity to network and talk with each other about similar issues they may have regarding work, retirement and life. After each run, the group enjoys food and drinks as well as the camaraderie.

Van said, as a seasoned runner, having the group to run with through the winter weather keeps him motivated and in shape.

“I like to have peace of mind when I get out and run my fitness test,” said Van. “It’s nice to know I can get out there and easily run five miles,”

The group is now run by retired U.S. Army Maj. Kevin T. Ashworth, ARCENT training and exercise operation officer.

“I have seen a lot of people improve on their PT tests by finding someone who is of similar speed and racing them,” said Ashworth.

Ashworth said the group is very good at keeping people accountable and helping every individual in meeting their fitness goals.

“I like to personally help everyone get where they want to with their speed,” said Ashworth. “I especially like watching everyone interact and helping each other, whether they are active duty, retired or just a Sumter runner it is great to have everyone out here pushing each other,”

For more information about the Red White and Blue running group visit their website at www.teamrwb.org where the weekly run schedule of 6 p.m. on Mondays and Thursdays are posted. Kevin T. Ashworth, the coordinator for the group, can be reached either by email at kevin.ashworth@teamrwb.org.