Press Release - U.S. Air Force Marathon - 9/16/06

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
                                 Contact: Rachel Castle
                                          88th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
                                          (937) 522-3250
                                          

               New records set at U.S. Air Force Marathon

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio - New wheelchair and male 
half-marathon records were set today at the U.S. Air Force Marathon, an 
official Air Force Services function, held today at Wright-Patterson AFB in 
Dayton, Ohio.

Forty-five year-old wheelchair racer Glen Ashlock broke the previous record 
by more than twelve minutes, finishing in 1:47:06. Female wheelchair winner 
was Monica Szymanski at 3:08:16.

Setting a new record in the male half-marathon race was 25 year-old Derrick 
Butler, coming in at 1:09:03. Caitlin Reese took top honors in the female 
half-marathon division and was also the top female military winner with a 
time of 1:22:20.

Air Force Running Team member Mark Cucuzzella crossed the finish line at 
2:31:47, earning his first marathon title and also top male military 
honors; while Michelle Elliott, finishing the full marathon at 3:17:48, won 
the female division. Top military female was Rendi Everhart with a time of 
3:26:39.

Coming in first in the relay division was the National Guard Stars with a 
time of 2:35:21. Special relay participants included four 88th Air Base 
Wing Security Forces Members who crossed the finish line together with two 
of the working dogs stationed at Wright-Patterson.

Finishing up the events in the 5k race was male winner Eric Petersen with a 
time of 17:13 and female winner Gabrielle Beal at 21:37, as two A-10 
Thunderbolt II "Warthog" aircraft performed a flyover. The A-10 was this 
year's tribute craft and was featured on the official event patch and medal 
given to all participants.

There were more than 5,000 runners registered for the race, the largest 
held since the event's inception in 1997. Seventy-one racers were honored 
as "ten-year runner" special guests for participating in all Air Force 
marathons at Wright-Patterson. There was even a marriage proposal at the 
end of the race when U.S. Marine Isaac Pacheco crossed the finish line with 
his girlfriend, got down on one knee and asked her to marry him. She said 
yes as spectators cheered.  

For complete results, visit www.usafmarathon.com. Note - times listed are 
unofficial. 

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