For love of running: IAB SSgt to run AF marathon

  • Published
  • By Senior Airman Michael Battles
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Enthusiasm, a key element in accomplishing a goal, an element that one Team Incirlik staff sergeant used to accomplish a goal not once, but four times in his career.

In June 2015, Staff Sgt. Jeremy Duddles, 39th Air Base Wing command chief executive assistant, was notified on his selection for the 2015 U.S. Forces in Europe Air Forces Africa Air Force Marathon team. This is Duddles fourth time being selected for the team.

"It's always exciting being selected for the USAFE team," Duddles said. "USAFE only selects an elite group of runners, so it's good to see where you stand in the major command."

In its 19th year, the Air Force Marathon is a 26.2 mile run that is held the third Saturday of September each year at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. With 15,000 participants, the event also consists of a half marathon, 10K and 5K races held alongside the main full marathon.

According to Duddles, the main reason he competes at the marathon every year is due to the enthusiasm of the competitors.

"There is so much camaraderie when you compete at the marathon," he said. "It's nice to meet people who are very enthusiastic about running and competing."

Duddles also stated that a large part of him getting into running is due to his previous supervisor at Aviano Air Base, Italy.

"He was always very passionate about running and was always taking about it," Duddles said. "One day he asked me to run with him and ever since I've always kept it up."

To keep competitive for the marathon Duddles maintains a running routine that consists of about 5 to 6 hours per week, which includes a long run up to 14 miles and a few short distance runs. Moreover, when he's not competing at the Air Force marathon he has participated in several non-military affiliate races across Europe.

"Being stationed in Europe for my last few bases I've been given an opportunity to participate in several competitions in a variety of countries," he said. "Along with marathons I've done 5Ks and everything in between in places like Italy, France and right here in Turkey."

Additionally, Duddles had some words of advice for individuals interested in participating in the marathon in the future.

"The Air Force marathon is open to everyone," he said. "Take time to do the proper training and know what the race is going to do to your body. First timers should not be worried about placing or times, but rather the experience."

In the coming weeks Duddles will travel from Incirlik to compete in the marathon, which is slated for Sept. 19.