Ramstein opens 10K running trail Published June 10, 2009 By Staff Sgt. Stephen J. Otero 435th Ramstein Public Affairs RAMSTEIN AIR BASE, Germany -- The Northside Fitness Center opened the 10 kilometer "Hercules" Running Trail here June 9. The trail was developed for distance runners to have a dedicated location to safely practice. "We are calling this the 'Hercules Trail' because it honors our C-130 Hercules mission and you have to be 'Hercules Strong' to run it," said Col. Donald Bacon, 435th Air Base Wing commander. The Hercules Trail is another tool for Kaiserslautern Military Community members to utilize in their efforts to stay physically fit and deployment ready. According to David Jones, 435th Services Squadron recreation technician, the Hercules Trail is the longest marked trail here. The trail begins behind the Northside Fitness Center, runs along the northwest fence line of the base, loops around by the family camp and doubles back to the fitness center. "I thought the new trail was great because of the variety of its scenery and terrain," said Capt. Jason Miller, 435th ABW executive officer. "It made running more comfortable." The trail equates to about 6.2 miles and the average runner takes around an hour to complete the full running trail, said Mr. Jones. The Hercules Trail is one of four headphone-friendly trails around base. For more information on the Hercules Trail or other approved base running routes, visit the North or Southside Fitness Centers or check out www.435thServices.com.