Runners tell stories of their marathon experiences

  • Published
  • By James Baker
  • Skywrighter Staff
WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  The record-setting United States Air Force Marathon had hundred of stories from thousands of participants. Runners chosen at random who completed this year's race Sept. 15 talk about their experiences during race day. 

Curt Blair, a civilian with the 88th Mission Support Squadron said he became interested in running the half-marathon through encouragement from his co-workers and his continued commitment to the ongoing Team Lean Challenge. 

"I was exhausted, my feet and back were killing me and I told myself the last mile that I would never do it again," said Blair. "That lasted until the next day when I started thinking about improving my time and competing in the 2008 Marathon." 

Blair and co-worker Trish Southam did the course together. 

Geoffrey Towers, medical director for the OB/GYN clinic and base Urogynecologist said he started to run to get in shape and complete a marathon before he was 40. After participating in last year's run, he was looking to improve his time and come in under four hours, which he accomplished at 3:58. 

"It was once again an incredible experience. The course changes were all positive, especially the loop through Fairborn," Towers said. "The best part of the day was seeing the enthusiastic volunteers and the people who took the time to cheer the runners." 

Ernesto Lorenzo said this year was his eighth Air Force Marathon and 13th overall 26.2 mile run. He has also run two other military marathons, the Marine Corps and Navy races. 

"I learn a lot form running a marathon: planning, scheduling, time and stress management, goal-setting, motivation and encouragement, just to name a few," he said. "A highlight for me this year was running through the scenic housing area and downtown Fairborn. It's great to see the local town folks come out and support and cheer the runners." 

Sue St. Cyr of the National Air and Space Intelligence Center was competing in her second AF Marathon and said she has been running her whole life. She said the favorite part of her day was accomplishing a new personal record time of 4:07 and the help she received along the way. 

"At the start/finish line and every mile marker are well sponsored by a variety of organizations that are very enthusiastic and supportive," she said. "I am fortunate to be stationed at Wright-Patterson because I can run the AF Marathon every year without having to pay travel costs." 

Competing in her first marathon was Stacie Parsons who showed the camaraderie of the event when she paired up with another airman halfway through the race to help push her through. She said her main motivating factor in signing up was the Air Force's 60th Anniversary. 

"Seeing my Air Force family cheer me on and crossing the finish line were definitely highlights of the day," she said. "I ran the race to prove to myself and others that if I can do this, so can you. "I just want to be a good role model to my boys and let everyone know if you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything."