Keesler runners experience Air Force Marathon

Published Sept. 28, 2011
By Airman 1st Class Heather Heiney
81st Training Wing Public Affairs

KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- Sept. 17, a few members of the Keesler family escaped the Mississippi heat for cooler Ohio weather to join a record 13,000 people in the 15th annual Air Force Marathon.

The events at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base included a full marathon, half marathon, 10-kilometer race and 5-kilometer race. Also, 3,100 people participated in mock races at eight deployed locations.

The top chip times were 2:38:48, full marathon; 1:12:55, half marathon; 0:31:09, 10-K; and 0:16:11, 5-K.

Some of the Keesler participants shared their stories.

Marathon

Thomas Gifford, 81st Medical Group otolaryngology physician, placed 55 in his division and 538 overall with a chip time of 3:54:05.

"It was a great race," Gifford said. "The weather was perfect, the crowds were good and the flybys kept things interesting throughout the run. The course was challenging, but well laid out, and they had record numbers this year on the 15th anniversary. It was nice to run in cool weather for a change after training throughout the Mississippi summer."

Tyler Hamilton, 335th Training Squadron weather instructor, placed 59 in his division and 558 overall with a chip time of 3:54:58.

"It was an awesome experience," Hamilton said. "This has been my fourth year running the full marathon. This year there was a lot of support by the water aid stations and the local community coming out to cheer. It was also neat to finish and have the chief of staff of the Air Force, Gen. (Norton) Schwartz, put the medal around my neck."

Corrie Hamilton, his wife, completed the half marathon 195 in her division and 2,605 overall with a time of 2:26:01.

Robert Walker, 81st Training Support Squadron software developer, placed 160 in his division and 1,783 overall with a chip time of 5:07:27.

"The running itself was a lot worse than the January marathon I did in Mobile, as I got pretty badly dehydrated going around the old (Wright-Patterson) flight line," Walker said. "Overall, though, the experience was great! As usual, the race was very well organized."

Ronald Lenz, 334th TRS air traffic control instructor, placed 165 in his division and 1,889 overall with a chip time of 5:16:23.

"I started training in May, starting with 15 miles a week and working up to 35 miles a week," Lenz said. "I did the New Orleans Jazz half marathon last year, and this was my first full marathon. I did well until Mile 21, and then 'the wheels fell off.' My stamina was good, but my legs were cramping so badly I had to walk the last 5 miles."

He added, "On a side note, I got into running to lose weight and pass my physical training test. I lost 53 pounds when I got to Keesler and went from a marginal on my PT test to an excellent and running a marathon. I call the transformation 'marginal to marathon.'"

Tiffany Chambers, 81st Inpatient Operations Squadron labor and delivery registered nurse, placed 88 in her division and 1,958 overall with a chip time of 5:24:22.

"It was my first marathon and I enjoyed the experience," Chambers said. "Wright-Patt was the perfect location for the event. The volunteers and spectators were phenomenal, and I would have probably stopped at Mile 18 when I started cramping if it weren't for their support and loud cheering! I ran for theAir Force Enlisted Village, and it felt great crossing the finish line knowing that I ran for such a rewarding and amazing organization! I would definitely recommend this race for any and all runners."

Half marathon

Erica Shepherd, noncommissioned officer in charge of the 81st MDG health promotion flight, placed 131 in her division and 1,849 overall with a chip time of 2:12:12.

"It was my first time doing the Air Force half marathon and my second half marathon overall," Shepherd said. "It was such a great experience. The atmosphere and support of the crowd throughout the race was amazing At the end of the race I was overwhelmed with all the free food and refreshments that were provided and very much needed. I can't wait to do it again and I hope I can bring others with me next time."

Nelson Viniegra, 81st MDG dermatology clinic licensed practical nurse, placed 191 in his division and 2,213 overall with a chip time of 2:18:40.

"This was my second time," Viniegra said. "I did it because it was the 15th annual run and I got to see friends who were stationed there. It was cold for me being from the south. The lows were around 50 degrees. Before the half marathon I trained for the mini-triathlon on base. I also run before and after work."

Ann Owens, 333rd TRS training support flight chief, placed 60 in her division and 2,480 overall with a chip time of 2:23:39.

"This is the fifth year we've gone up to Wright-Patt to run in the Air Force Marathon," Owens said. "Our first year, we ran as members of a marathon relay team. The last four years we've done the half marathon. This year the Air Force outdid themselves! The volunteers were awesome! The race was well organized and the weather couldn't have been better. This is one race that I'll do every year until I can't run anymore! It's a great way to celebrate the Air Force birthday."

Terry Owens, her husband, placed 172 in his division and 2,900 overall with a chip time of 2:32:10. He's the 336th TRS communications and information management flight chief.

"I want to echo Ann's comments," he said. "This year's event was the best yet! The weather was ideal and the volunteers and race officials were great. I'm looking forward to next year's event, and like Ann, as long as I can run, I will be at the Air Force Marathon!"

Stephanie Sloan, 81st Medical Operations Squadron health administration technician, placed 174 in her division and 3,448 overall with a chip time of 2:46:52.

"Running in the Air Force Half Marathon was a very exciting experience and a great accomplishment for me," Sloan said, " I'm definitely looking forward to the next one so that I can beat my time and work up to the full marathon."

Her father, Air Force retiree Ronald Stroud, Walhalla, S. C., finished the full marathon 191 in his division and 1,797 overall with a chip time of 5:08:52.

10-kilometer

Lluvia Cabonilas, 81st MDG services management journeyman, placed 49 in her division and 902 overall with a chip time of 1:12:56.

"Participating in this run was an awesome experience," Cabonilas said. "You get to meet people from all over the country all while improving your physical fitness. It motivated me to want to participate in future marathons. I would like to train for longer runs like the half marathon and maybe one day the full marathon. I would definitely encourage everyone to participate in this wonderful event."