Incirlik Airman returns to AF Marathon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Anthony Hyatt
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  One Incirlik Airman will be joining more than 10,000 participants in the 14th annual United States Air Force Marathon Sept. 18, 2010 held at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, but this isn't his first time.

Senior Airman Berlin Aniciete, 39th Logistics Readiness Squadron, was selected to represent the United States Air Forces in Europe and the 39th Air Base Wing Incirlik Air Base, Turkey in the AF Marathon for the second consecutive year.

"It's very exciting running in the marathon," the 24-year old runner said. "I've met a lot of people through this event."

In 2007 and 2008, Airman Aniciete represented Air Education and Training Command and the 14th Flying Training Wing Columbus AFB, Miss., in the AF Marathon as part of the 10-kilometer relay team.

Unlike his first two visits to the event, Airman Aniciete will be running the full marathon.

The full marathon is a 26.2-mile run that traverses historical places on Wright-Patterson AFB, including the National Museum of the United States Air Force, the Air Force Institute of Technology, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, the Wright-Patterson AFB flight line, Huffman Prairie Flying Field and the Wright Brothers Memorial Monument, according to the event's Web site.

In last year's marathon, Airman Aniciete finished the 26.2-mile run in a total time of three hours 28 minutes and 47 seconds finishing 183rd among 2017 participants. He also finished 46th out of 488 active-duty military members.

"Finishing the marathon was a great accomplishment, but time-wise I felt I could have done better," said the Nebraska native. "Around mile 22, I cramped up and I didn't recover until mile 24. The last miles were pretty hilly and by that time you're already physically drained. It was mentally rough."

Airman Aniciete's goal this year is finishing under three hours and 20 minutes.

"Once a week, I do a speed workout, which I alternate with a tempo workout [time-based run] and Saturdays are my long-run days," Airman Aniciete said. "At least three to four weeks before a marathon, I do an 18 to 20-mile run."

All levels of runners from around the world participate in the marathon, wheelchair, half marathon, 10-kilometer and 5-kilometer races. The AF Marathon is certified by the USA Track and Field Association and is a Boston Marathon Qualifier, according to the event's Web site.

After running in this year's marathon, the Airman hopes to concentrate his training on more swimming and preparing for triathlons.

Capt. Benjamin Sandy, Ankara Office of Defense Cooperation, was also selected to participate in the half marathon and will represent the 2010 USAFE marathon team.