Incirlik holds half marathon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Sara Csurilla
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  More than 120 members of Team Incirlik were at the starting line Sept. 18 for the 4th Annual Incirlik Half Marathon put on by the 39th Force Support Squadron and Incirlik's Fitness Center.

On the exact same date, the Air Force Marathon was being held thousands of miles away at Wright Patterson Air force Base, Ohio.
"The half marathon is all about individual fitness and for many a chance for the community to train hard and run "personal best" distances and times," said Ernie Fasoldt, wing fitness director. "It ties in directly with the Air Force Marathon."

A half marathon is 13.1 miles and some made the distance look easy as they came in first place in their respected categories.

"It was a great feeling to cross the finish line as the first female," said Elissa Ballas, 39th Medical Operations Squadron and the women's 30 and over winner with a time of 1hour 22 minutes and 58 seconds. "I am in the process of training for a full marathon in October, so I have been slowly increasing my running mileage each week. This race was part of my training and will make me stronger for the full marathon."

Marathons such as these have proven to be not only useful for future marathons, but to help Air Force members stay in shape for the Air Force's newest Physical Training standards.
"Part of the AF Physical Training assessment is the 1.5 mile run," Mr. Fasoldt said. "The training and physical conditioning required to successfully complete a 13.1 mile race can only increase a member's ability to complete the 1.5 mile run."

Ballas said training for a marathon requires a lot of time running and the benefit is a faster time on the 1.5 mile run, but strength training and core exercises also help with push-ups and sit ups.

"This event was great," said William Chapman, 90th Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron and the male's 29 and under category winner with a time of 1:22:32. "Thanks to all the folks who planned and ran the event."

The following is a list of winners in their respective categories:

Team winners:
1st Place - Bryce Kaw-uh, Turner Anderson, Keyton Daniels and Aaron Falcon 1:38:33
2nd Place - Tom Ausherman, Carrie Mcgrew, Ryan Stebbins and Ouida Daniels 1:47:10
3rd Place - James Cote, Cheryl Esty, Christopher Poole and Stephanie Martinez 1:50:36

Over 30 Males
1st Place - William Chapman 1:22:32
2nd Place - Chad Rauls 1:34:44
3rd Place - Rhett Edwards 1:36:54

Under 30 Males:
1st Place - Joshua Acosta 1:28:16
2nd Place - Brandon Bush 1:35:16
3rd Place - Donald Naiman 1:37:48

Over 30 Females:
1st Place - Ellisa Ballas 1:22:58
2nd Place - Jennifer Plante 1:40:06
3rd Place - Krista Mullins 1:45:31

Under 30 Females:
1st Place - Crystal Quagliaroli 2:04:25
2nd Place - Lindsay King 2:04:48
3rd Place - Pamela Brannon 2:05:02