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Shaw Airman first across finish line

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  A Shaw Airman ran in the Air Force Marathon Sept. 14 and 15 at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, and took first place in the military men's five-kilometer race.

Airman Todd Scarbrough, 20th Logistics Readiness Squadron traffic management apprentice, said the race was challenging because there were 755 runners participating.

Even though the Airman took first place, he wasn't particularly happy with his run time of 19 minutes, 12 seconds.

"Usually, when I run Shaw's 5K warrior run, I finish with a time between 15 and 16 minutes," Airman Scarbrough said. "During the Air Force Marathon's 5K run, I was very surprised to see the time of 19 minutes as I approached the finish line. I think the reason why I didn't finish as well as I usually do is because the first two miles of the race was straight uphill."

After the 5K win, Airman Scarbrough received a medal and a trophy. He returned the next day to run in the half marathon, which was 13 miles long and he placed 27th out of 2,059 runners.

To train for these events, Airman Scarbrough said he ran everyday for two months straight.

"Some days I would run 10 miles, other days I would run six-mile quick runs," he said. "I changed it up every day so I could shock my muscles in order to get them used to different obstacles and challenges."

Airman Scarbrough received lots of leadership support from his squadron and 20th Fighter Wing.

"My supervisor, Senior Airman Angela Wilson, and my first sergeant, Master Sgt. Bobby Rains, always checked up on me during training," Airman Scarbrough said. "Even (Chief Master Sgt. Scott Dearduff, 20th FW command chief,) asked me if there was anything he could do to help me prepare for the race, which tells me he really takes care of his Airmen.

"Scarbrough is extremely passionate about running," said Airman Wilson. "He is also very dedicated; not only to running but to his job as well."

"I love to run because it is the most dedicated and self-disciplined sport," Airman Scarbrough said. "There is nothing better than competing and pushing yourself against an opponent. Running really isn't that hard, it is just putting one foot in front of the other faster than your opponent."