Whiteman runners participate in Air Force marathon

  • Published
  • By Heidi Hunt
  • 509th Bomb Wing Public Affairs
WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. --  The Whiteman running club completed in the Air Force Marathon Sept. 18, at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio. The marathon team was made up of 10 runners and was a combination of Air Force Global Strike Command Airmen and Department of Defense civilians.

The Air Force marathon's showcases the U.S. Air Force's legacy of pride, professionalism, and perseverance through an enduring world-class fitness experience for all.

Chief Master Sgt. Tim Cooley, 509th Bomb Wing command chief and 2nd Lt. Ben Coffman, 509th Contracting Squadron contracting specialist created the team earlier this year aimed at helping those who attend, learn and enjoy the principles and benefits of proper running and training.

"Five team members ran the half-marathon and the other five ran the full-marathon," said Lieutenant Coffman. "All five marathoners were 'first-timers' as were many of the half-marathoners."

First-time marathon runner Tech. Sgt. Joseph Laxson, 509th Force Support Squadron Airmen Leadership School instructor said the experience was a success because Team Whiteman finished without injuries.

"It goes to show that our training plans were very consistent for first-time marathon runners to be healthy and finish healthy, granted we didn't place," Sergeant Laxson said. "We couldn't have done it without Team support and the phenomenal support from everyone on base."

The team was required to conduct two group runs per month and spent hours training every week in the months leading up to the race.

"Members followed plans which helped them gradually and specifically increase their mileage so their bodies could handle the rigors or a 13.1 or 26.2 mile race," Lieutenant Coffman said.

"Many of the members trained three to five days a week," Sergeant Laxson said. "We all worked together and supported to each other. We absolutely encourage anyone who has ever thought about joining the running club to do so.

"We don't want this to be the last time Whiteman fields a team for the Air Force marathon," Sergeant Laxson said. "We want this to be a good, strong representation. We want to encourage people to show up at the running club, get better and to represent Whiteman in a really positive light."

The team is a part of a larger group belonging to 8th Air Force who sent runners from Barksdale AFB, La. and Minot AFB, ND.

"Congratulations on a successful race," said Chief Cooley. "Hopefully, the runners all caught the marathon and half-marathon bug and will sign up for future races."

The running club meets Saturday mornings at the Royal Oaks Golf Course parking lot at 8 a.m. For more information about the running club, e-mail or call Lieutenant Coffman (660) 687-5461 or Tech. Sgt. Joseph Laxson at (660) 687-5758. To visit the official Air Force marathon website, log on to www.usafmarathon.com.