USAF Marathon Pace Team
WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio – The 2009 U.S. Air Force Marathon Pace Team promises to provide fun and excitement for both first time and experienced marathoners looking to reach their running goal-whether that’s a personal best or just crossing the finish line.
“The Pace Team is a group of experienced marathoners that lead runners through the entire 26.2 miles of the course at even, designated paces. Runners wishing to achieve a particular goal pace only need to meet up with the pace group leader at the starting line and run with that leader to achieve their goal,” according to a Pace Team press release.
Jim Crist, Pace Team Director, says that pace teams can be beneficial for both beginners and experienced runners, “Running with a pacer is undoubtedly the most effective support that any runner could have.” There are several set times for the marathon, from 3:10 to 5:00, as well as times for the half marathon. Each pace leader will hold a steady pace so that runners will be able to achieve a specific goal time.
Crist has been working with the U.S. Air Force Marathon for the past five years and has experienced many challenging and exhilarating races and has had the opportunity to meet people from across the globe, “I was able to run with a serviceman stationed in Spain who was running his first marathon. He joined me in my warm up and had an outstanding marathon.” Crist also has had the privilege to meet several dynamic individuals such as Capt. Ivan Castro, a blind marathoner, who was a “huge inspiration.”
Crist enjoys helping runners meet their personal goals and wanted to give back to the sport, “It’s very fulfilling to see others run their first event or hit a goal time, or just have a successful run. Of course, there’s always the t-shirt.”
The U.S. Air Force Marathon running events will be held over two days. The marathon, half-marathon, and 10k will be held September 19, 2009 at the National Museum of the United States Air Force on Wright Patterson Air Force Base. The 5k will be co-hosted with Wright State University on September 18, 2009 on their main campus. For more information to volunteer or register, please visit www.usafmarathon.com. Pace Team Director Jim Crist contributed to this article. He may be reached at PacerJim@hotmail.com.
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