PE teacher, 31st SFS Airman rule Aviano Marathon

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  A physical education teacher from the DoDD School and a 31st Security Forces Squadron plans and programs clerk clocked the fastest times for the men and women marathon events, respectively, during the fourth annual Aviano Marathon Sept. 19.

Blake Little ran 3:46:36 to finish first overall in the men's marathon event while Sarah Stock ran 4:48:04 to garner first place for the women. More than 150 runners participated in the marathon that included 5k and 10K runs, a mile-long kids' run, half and full marathons.

"I got up this morning, and I would have been happy just to finish," Little said. "I thought of stopping at the (22-mile mark) because I am hoping to run the Venice marathon in a couple of weeks. But when I was at the 20-mile mark, I thought, I can't stop for all the troops who are here and fighting for us. It is just an honor to keep going and run the race."

Mr. Little, who ran four marathon races before, said the Aviano Marathon was a great event. It encourages life-long fitness and activity for the family. He described the course as tough.

"It's a challenge, but the course was nice,"Little said. "It has flat spots and a little bit of mud."

For Airman Stock, this was her first time running a full marathon.

"I came out here with only the intention of finishing," Stock said. "To be the first female to finish is just an awesome feeling and a good experience. I didn't spend much time training for it. Even when I was training, I didn't even run up to 26 miles. I thought of doing 20 miles and settled on running the last six miles on will power. I am pretty happy."

According to Stock, she was "insane for paying to run 26 miles." However, it was the best course she had ever run.

"It was very unique, plenty of shade and interesting scenery," she said.

Family-friendly race day events were also held including live music, face painting, Air Force cultural demonstrations and a bouncy castle.

"It was a successful event," said Tanya McCormick, 31st Forces Support Squadron fitness center director. "We would just like to see more people come out in the future."

The 31st FSS has planned the event for three months. Preparations included mapping the routes, coordinating with the Italian local government, moving logistical equipment to the race location and ensuring enough food and volunteers were in place. More than 90 volunteers from the base also provided support during the event.

"Our volunteers were awesome," McCormick said. "Without them, we don't have an event. We appreciate the volunteers as well as our sponsors. Also, we just want to give thanks to the community for coming out and supporting this event."

Winners are listed below:
-- Men's full marathon overall: Blake Little, 3:46:36
-- Women's full marathon overall: Sarah Stock, 4:48:04
-- Women's full marathon (40 and above): Karla Atchley, 4:49:13
-- Men's Half Marathon (18 to 29): Michael Garrison, 1:50:56
-- Men's Half Marathon (30 to 39): Paul Frantz, 2:07:55
-- Men's Half Marathon (40 and above): Huseyn Kara, 1:49:01
-- Women's Half Marathon (18 to 29): Tasha Falcon, 2:01:28
-- Women's Half Marathon (30 to 39): Kim James, 1:54:09
-- Women's Half Marathon (40 and above): Dawn Perry, 2:09:05
-- Men's 10K (18 to 29): Sean Wilson, 36:27
-- Men's 10K (30 to 39): Mark Paine, 50:41
-- Men's 10K (40 and above): Eric Chapin, 50:24
-- Women's 10K (18 to 29): Madeline O'Brien, 47:31
-- Women's 10K (30 to 39): Amy Robinson, 51:51
-- Women's 10K (40 and above): Ricki O'Brien, 47:53
-- Men's 5K (18 to 29): Brent Healey, 30:34
-- Men's 5K (30 to 39): Tom Angelo, 24:38
-- Men's 5K (40 and above): Virgil Horsley, 27:29
-- Women's 5K (18 to 29): Janene Garza, 30:17
-- Women's 5K (30 to 39): Moderosa Flaig, 27:32
-- Women's 5K (40 and above): Shonoa Grizzard, 38:19
-- Boys 5K (10 to 13): John Casey, 21:44
-- Boys 5K (14 to 17): Michael Corson, 27:19
-- Girls 5K (10 to 13): Riley Guerin, 39:54