Press Room

United States Air Force Marathon draws tough competition.

by James Baker
Skywrighter staff

The 13th annual United States Air Force Marathon is now exactly three months away and now is the time to start training (if you haven't already done so) to make your race day experience as pleasant as possible. An improved diet, daily exercise program and continued motivation are vital components as the September 19 race day slowly approaches.

One person who will not need advice on how to prepare for a marathon is retired Navy Senior Chief Petty Officer Sid Busch. The 63-year old running enthusiast has completed 158 marathons to date, which is the equivalent of hitting the pavement all the way to Seattle, turning around and making the round trip back to the Dayton area.

Busch has entered the 26.2 mile event in several countries including New Zealand, Guam and Scotland, but says the marathon at Wright-Patterson and the Marine Corps run have the most meaning to him.

"For the last few years I have run my marathons in honor of fallen heroes, the young men who gave their all for us," he said. "I present my medal and singlet to the families to show them their loved ones sacrifice hasn't gone unnoticed. I find the two military marathons to be the most inspirational and it is a pleasure and honor to be able to run them and thank all the active duty military I see along the way to the finish."

Cheryl Moore will be traveling all the way from Hawaii to partake in the festivities involved with the weekend. The senior airmen will be competing in her second USAF marathon and takes part in events like these to help raise money for children who are looking for a miracle.

"I am so excited and looking forward to being part of the 2009 marathon. I am very proud to be part of the Air Force family and running this year's race will be a sentimental experience for me," she said. "Running a marathon is a formidable challenge, but for some kids, fighting for their life is their challenge."

This year's race continues on a registration record breaking pace as 3,148 have already signed up for the full 26.2 mile run (1,254 registrants), the half-marathon (1,440), the 10k (278), wheelchair (6) and the 5k (170) run held the day before at Wright State University.

To obtain further information on the event, sign-up or become a volunteer, visit www.usafmarathon.com.

 

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