Past marathon winner returns in relay
By Brett Turner
Skywrighter Staff, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
September 17, 2004
John Agnew knows what it's like to win big races. He's won several of various lengths over the years - one of the biggest being the 26.2-mile race at the Air Force Marathon in 2000.
Saturday he'll have a chance to add yet another title to his list as the leadoff runner in the relay race for the Stars and Stripes team, the defending champions in the masters division for teams of runners ages 40 and over.
Agnew, an avionics engineer for the Aeronautical Systems Center Flight Training systems program office, has kept a somewhat low profile since his marathon victory. He has run in events like the Columbus Marathon two years ago, but the 26.2-mile races are less desirable these days.
"Winning was neat," he said. "I enjoyed it, but I didn't necessarily want to do it again. (26.2-mile races) are more painful and tougher to prepare for."
So when the call came from Stars and Stripes member Jerry Apt to participate on the team, Agnew said he didn't have to think about his answer.
Part of it is the chance to race as part of a team rather than as an individual. Agnew said one of his favorite running experiences was running as part of a team in a national race 12 years ago.
"One of the only chances you get to you run on a team is in high school or college," he said. "The team aspect is fun since you don't just have to run for yourself."
Agnew said he is doing around 30-40 miles a week these days. He ran in a pair of 5k (3.1-mile) races recently in training.
Doing the first leg, which is the 5-mile leg will have its hazards. The lead runner gets to start with the pack from the finish line.
But his reward is going up the hill on Loop Road in Area B.
"It's a tough course but a short leg," he said. "The hills are going to be a factor. I haven't been training on the hill, but probably should."
Agnew said he has another good reason for wanting to finish early. Not only will he get a good run in and possibly be part of a championship team, he has another responsibility.
As a cross country team coach at Carroll High School , his charges need his services at a meet later in the day. Agnew said the team having an important meet on Air Force Marathon Saturdays in recent years has conflicted with his participating in them.
Agnew said he won't totally rule out trying again for the 26.2-mile race. But he's more focused on getting the Stars and Stripes team back to the awards stage Saturday afternoon.
"If I was younger I wouldn't mind taking a shot at the course record," he said. "It was fun and I like the event. I'm looking forward to being part of a team this time."