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On your mark, get set, go

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman John Gordinier
  • 20th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 20th Services Squadron hosted a 13.2-mile race Oct. 28 for Airmen and their families to come out and push themselves to the maximum.

"We found out that a lot of runners on base were interested in running a half marathon," said Staff Sgt. Tia Thomas, 20th Services Squadron fitness specialist. "The half-marathon allows people who are not experienced in running big events to try something new."

Col. James Hyatt, 20th Fighter Wing commander, handed out trophies to the first- and second-place finishers in the men's and the women's divisions and to first- and second-place relay teams.

Tech. Sgt. Thomas Halpin, 609th Air Communications Squadron, finished first in men's division with a time of 1:29.39. Matthias Helbing was the runner-up at 1:46.16.

"It sure was nice to finish first considering my age, but I never let age deter me because running actually makes me feel a lot younger and it keeps me healthy," Sergeant Halpin said. "I usually run one lap around Shaw's perimeter and that's enough for me because I am not really into long-distance races. I am more comfortable running short and fast races. At any rate, the way my diet is, I have to run because I eat everything in sight."

Angela, spouse of 2nd Lt. John Jahnke, of the 20th Medical Operations Squadron, finished first in the women's division with a time of 1:56.40. Capt. Catherine Callender, 20th Medical Operations Squadron clinical psychologist, was the runner-up with a time of 2:00.59.

"It felt great crossing that finish line," Captain Callender said. "I have been running for more than 25 years and ran my first 10K when I was in second grade, which is why I really enjoy running and seeing how far I can push myself."

There was a strong headwind most of the way, which made the course a little more challenging, the captain said.

Sergeant Halpin agreed.

"Another challenge was the long and flat straightaways around the flightline," Sergeant Halpin said. "Then there were the little hills throughout the housing area. I was aiming for a time of 1:20.00, but finished 9 minutes behind. I think these challenges made my run a little slower than anticipated."

Four-person relay teams also participated, dividing the 13.2 miles into four 3.3-mile legs.

The 20th Equipment Maintenance Squadron team won the relay race. Airmen 1st Class Roy Quiceno and Kenneth Pownell, Airman Joseph Krafchak, and Staff Sgt. Kris Provty won with a time of 1:42.49.

"The event turnout was great," Sergeant Thomas said. "We were just glad the weather was nice. It was a bit windy, but overall, good running weather."