2013 Okinawa Marathon yields most runners, Kadena volunteers to date

by Tech. Sgt. Amanda Savannah
18th Wing Public Affairs

2/20/2013 - KADENA AIR BASE, Japan -- More than 500 Kadena volunteers helped hydrate and cheer on the more than 14,000 runners participating in the 2013 Okinawa Marathon and 10-km race Feb. 17.

The number of volunteers and runners was the most for the 21st annual event.

"I'd like to say thank you to the volunteers," said Okinawa mayor Hiroshi Toyama. "Without the support from Kadena Air Base and its volunteers, this marathon could not be successful."

Though the races start and end at Prefectural Comprehensive Sports Park in Okinawa City, about a 1.5-mile stretch of the marathon weaves from Gate 2 through Gate 5 of the base.

Tech. Sgt. Rick McGinnis, of the 554th RED HORSE Squadron, led a cheer and water station on Kadena during the marathon.

"It was first mentioned to me by my first sergeant. He had mentioned that the RED HORSE unit usually sets up a water station," McGinnis said. "I've never seen a marathon or participated in one before. I thought it would be interesting, so I volunteered to be the point of contact for a station."

Masanao Ishihara, executive administrator of the Okinawa Marathon Executive Committee, said the committee also appreciates Kadena's involvement.

"In hosting the Okinawa Marathon every year, we greatly appreciate the total cooperation from Kadena Air Base such as permitting the usage of the roads in the base, setting up water stations, publicizing this event and providing volunteers," he said.

Ishihara added that marathon runners also enjoy the volunteer support.

"The enthusiastic cheers in the base are the motivation to runners," Ishihara said. "We have received comments from runners that 'the cheers inside the base are so lively that it can really give us energy.' Moreover, we are blessed with support and cooperation from many volunteers in the base every time. The most wonderful thing is that we are livening up this event together."

Col. Jeffrey Ullmann, 18th Mission Support Group commander, officiated at the opening ceremony.

"The Okinawa Marathon is an excellent opportunity for Kadena Air Base to give back and to demonstrate how close the ties are between ourselves and the local Okinawan community by opening our gates and welcoming the runners through," Ullmann said. "It's just tremendous to join with the mayors and other dignitaries in cheering the runners at the start of the race, and then encouraging them as they continue along the route."

McGinnis said he was awed by the event.

"I thought it was really amazing," he said. "Just to see that many runners was breathtaking.

"It was nice to be able to do something for the community," he added. "I was really glad to be a part of something positive so we could give back."