Courtesy Photo | More than 30 coalition forces members participated in the 2007 Lehigh Valley...... read more read more
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By Air Force Senior Airman Brian Stives
American Forces Network – Afghanistan
BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan - More than 30 coalition forces members put foot to pavement as they competed against runners in Pennsylvania in the first ever Lehigh Valley Half-Marathon, April 29.
Although it may not have been exactly the same as running through five municipalities, along two rivers, or traversing one of the most extensive and scenic paved bike trails in the northeast, running the 7.8 miles around the perimeter of Bagram Airfield was something these warriors just had to do.
"We decided before we came into the country that we wanted to run a marathon," said Army Sgt. John Christiano, 82nd Airborne Division, division band and event organizer. "So, when we got here, we wrote an e-mail to Runners World magazine asking them if there was anything we could do in order to make that happen."
A couple of weeks later, Bart Yasso, Runners World magazine editor, responded and said, "It wouldn't be a marathon like you asked, but how would you like a half-marathon?"
"We were really enthusiastic, and said we would like to do it," said Christiano.
Even though the full marathon was completed in Trexlertown, Penn., 12 hours after the half-marathon began at Bagram, the runners were official participants.
"We got 30 sponsored slots for the Lehigh Valley Marathon and those runners have official shirts and bibs," said Christiano. "We did have more people wanting to run, and since I can't say 'no' to a runner, I'm working to get them shirts and bibs later. But, at least they get to run."
Training for a marathon can be a challenge in itself, but training while in a combat zone only increases those challenges - one being the elevation of Bagram Airfield – 4,895 feet.
"As soon as we arrived at Bagram, we started getting acclimated to the elevation and wanted to get as much running in as possible," said Christiano. "Luckily, there are plenty of areas to run around here."
"I am not a fast racer, but I enjoy the mutual competition and camaraderie that is generated (in) races like this," said Army Chief Warrant Officer Jeffry Larson, 82nd Airborne Division band director. "Even if you are not competitive enough to win, running with others in a race makes you push yourself a little more. It's so much more stimulating than running by yourself all the time. Ultimately it makes you dig a little deeper and you become a better athlete because of it."
As the sun began to rise over the junction between the Ghorband and the Panjshir valleys, more than 30 coalition members took their first steps toward reaching their goals of competing in a marathon.
"When it is a nice and cool morning like today, in my opinion, this is the best thing to do," said Christiano.
| Date Taken: | 05.03.2007 |
| Date Posted: | 05.03.2007 09:48 |
| Story ID: | 10221 |
| Location: | BAGRAM AIR FIELD, AF |
| Web Views: | 437 |
| Downloads: | 415 |
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