DYESS AIR FORCE BASE, Texas -- More than 20 Airmen assigned to the 436th Training Squadron participated in the Mustang Half Marathon April 14 at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.
The 436th TS hosted this 13.1-mile run as a reminder for Airmen to embrace the lifestyle of fitness.
“The 436th TS has been in talks of finding an off-base half marathon for the squadron to run for months,” said Master Sgt. Mike Doane, 436th TS aircrew flight equipment instructor. “We decided that we would save money and have a better event if we ran here.”
The runners saved gas, time and money by having this run on base, with a charge of $30. Half marathons cost an average of $95 per runner according to multiple online sources.
Master Sgt. Michael Mavrakis, 436th TS occupational safety instructor, finished first overall with a time of 1 hour, 45 minutes, 35 seconds.
The squadron started training in January for this event and made it their News Year’s resolution to complete this challenging run, said Senior Master Sgt. Terri Brooks, 436th TS superintendent. She also mentioned this was a first-time run for 16 of the competitors.
“Our commander gave us all a workout plan and we stuck to it as a squadron,” Brooks added. “After all the work our Airmen put in, it was a great feeling seeing them cross the finish line.”
Mavrakis said the squadron plans to host another half marathon next year that will be open to all base members.
“Committing and dedicating the time required to complete a half marathon is not an easy task, especially when you have to balance service, family and other challenges that may occur over months of training," said Lt. Col. Brian Servant, 436th TS commander. "It was inspiring to see everyone supporting each other not only on race day, but throughout training. It just shows that we are all stronger when we work together."