Marathon draws families, friends
By Brett Turner
Skywrighter Staff, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base
The U.S. Air Force Marathon is a great opportunity for families and friends to join in on an activity that doesn't have age or skill barriers. Along the course, you'll see numerous families, friends and coworkers cheering on their favorite runners, especially in the finish line chute area.
Some of the most memorable images come along after the top finishers have completed their races. People cheer and hold signs to greet the runners as they finish. Some runners carry children across the line or run in with family members or one some couples hold hands across the line.
The rewards go beyond the finishers' medals runners earn when the race is over. It's the unexpected reactions on seeing family and friends that can push the runners those final lengths.
This year, the tradition continued. One memorable instance was a man waiting for his wife and surprising her with carnations when she finished.
Many made the even a family affair as one Air Force Materiel Command officer had around nine family members in to compete. Even marathon director Molly Louden took time out to run the 5k race with several of her family members.
The family that runs together
Jeff Smith and his daughter, Hannah, of Bright, Ind. , just across the Ohio border from Cincinnati, had such a good time at last year's marathon, they decided to make the 2005 race a family affair.
Mom, Liz Moore, and kids, Sarah (age 12), Rebekah (age 8) and Josh (age 7), joined in on the 5k race, and the youngest proved to be the fastest.
"He stopped and was nice enough to let dad catch up to him," said Jeff Smith.
To prepare, the family laid out a practice course around their home, marking off streets and training every couple of days to get ready.
The Smiths have already confirmed they will be back next year. Hannah said she's now encouraged to join her school's track team, and she said Jeff wants to go for the half marathon.
"This is one of the best planned races I've been involved with," said Jeff Smith. "I've been involved with races in Cincinnati and Honolulu , and this is one of the best I've been to. I love it."
The family said they plan to wear their finishers' medals to church the next day and school the following day.
Reunion on the running route
Capt. Stacey Ferguson and Staci Secrest hadn't seen each other in more than 10 years. They were close enough friends to be nicknamed "Stacey Squared" during their high school days in Indianapolis .
At the Air Force Marathon, the two had an impromptu reunion on the course during the half marathon.
"I was running behind her and said 'That looks like Staci Secrest,'" said Ferguson . "And I said 'Staci?' and she turned around and it was her."
After reuniting, the pair ran the rest of the course and finished together. Secrest finished 79 th in the women's 25-29 age group and Ferguson in 80 th in 2:23:17.
"I'm sure I wouldn't have done as well without her," said Ferguson .
Ferguson is doing a tour with the Air Force, while Secrest still lives in Indianapolis and works as a certified public accountant.
The women said they did track and swam together in high school, but running wasn't big on their agendas back then. However, they were happy to have it reunite them at the Air Force Marathon.
Cheering mom home
Jamie, Jaclyn and Jessie Franz waited excitedly but patiently with signs for their mom Gina, who was walking the marathon course, to cross the finish line. When she finally arrived with her friend, Darlene Heimbuch, the girls cheered wildly and waved signs to the surprise of Gina.
It was the perfect end to a longtime goal. Not only did Gina receive loving attention, but chocolate as well.
"That was a nice surprise," she said.
Her husband, Jack, who works at the Aeronautical Systems Center, arrived back Friday evening from a temporary duty, so things worked out very well.
This was the women's first marathon. They wanted to do one while stationed in Colorado . The Franzs made a permanent change of station here first, and the Air Force Marathon was the perfect opportunity.
Heimbuch flew in from Colorado to join in. The women finished in 6:23:33.
"It was a lifetime goal for her," said Jack Franz. "It's kind of a family fitness thing for us."
Gina said the children's patience in awaiting her arrival wasn't surprising. They would often bring her drinks after long training walks.
She said the course was interesting with people out in the middle of nowhere at aid stations being friendly. That helped keep her going.
With this behind her, Gina said she is talking about going back to Colorado for another marathon.