Global Strike runners conquer wet conditions

by Airman 1st Class Joseph Raatz
Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs

9/26/2013 - BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Rain couldn't dampen the spirits of athletes from around the country as they competed at the 17th annual Air Force Marathon Sept. 21, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

"This year we have 15,000 participants in various races and over 2,500 runners participating with you virtually at eight deployed locations around the world, and they are with you in thoughts and sweat," said Lt. Gen. C.D. Moore, Air Force Life Cycle Management Center commander, as he welcomed participants to the event.

"During the race you will have the opportunity to traverse grounds that cover over 100 years of aviation history dating back to the early days of the Wright brothers. Enjoy your jog through history, do your best, stay safe and have fun!"

The runners participating had a choice of three events: a 26.2 mile marathon, a 13.1 mile half-marathon, and a 10 kilometer race. A five kilometer race was also scheduled, but was canceled due to inclement weather.

Air Force Global Strike Command sent a team to the marathon to participate in the Major Command Challenge, an Air Force-wide competition open to active-duty and activated Guard and Reserve servicemembers. The challenge pits MAJCOM teams against one another in a friendly competition to achieve the lowest combined time.

The AFGSC marathon team finished 6th overall with a combined time of 25:54:43. The half-marathon team finished 2nd with a combined time of 9:57, and the marathon team finished 7th with a combined time of 15:57:43.

Capt. Bryan Kelly, 393d Bomb Squadron, Whiteman AFB, Mo., finished the marathon with a time of 2:43. This outstanding result earned him the place of 5th overall finisher, and 3rd among active duty.

Airman 1st Class Timothy Schlappich, 5th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, Minot AFB, N.D., finished the half-marathon in 9th place with a time of 1:18.

Both Lt. Gen. James Kowalski, AFGSC commander, and Maj. Gen. Stephen Wilson, 8th Air Force commander, participated in the half-marathon, finishing less than a minute apart. Wilson finished with a time of 1:37:58, and Kowalski with 1:38:40.

Second Lt. James Walmsley, 490th Missile Squadron, Malmstrom AFB, Mont., who ran as part of the "all-Air Force" team, won the half-marathon with a time of 1:08. Walmsley and the rest of his team will go on to compete in the Armed Services Marathon in Washington, D.C., scheduled for Oct. 27.