Team Incirlik members race through Istanbul

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Kali L. Gradishar
  • 39th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  What better way to enjoy a new locale than by foot? And what better way to enjoy a race than by running it in a beautifully unique city?

Approximately 30 members of Team Incirlik traveled nearly 600 miles to Istanbul to do exactly that by participating in the Intercontinental Istanbul Eurasia Marathon and associated events Oct. 16.

Similar to the military adage, "Hurry up and wait," the runners boarded an early bus to the start line only to wait more than an hour in a brisk morning drizzle before start time.

One runner from Incirlik recounted seeing Colin Cardwell from the 39th Maintenance Squadron standing calmly and boldly barefooted waiting to set out on his first marathon.

"It was fine," a modest Cardwell said after the 26.2 miles he ran, also noting the marvel with which people approached him upon seeing him shoeless. Cardwell finished the marathon in 4:13:37.

It may not be the best race, but it is certainly unique, exclaimed the race announcer prior to the 9 a.m. race start. He spouted out welcoming phrases in numerous languages to greet each traveling athlete.

Thousands of runners leaned against one another at the start of the race and burst through inflated start balloons before darting to Europe.

The few who braved the entire 26.2 miles endured hours of shiver-inducing rain, while those who set out for the 15- and 8-kilometer races were more quickly offered the opportunity to dry off and warm up. No matter what race was run, all who tolerated the weekend's rainy weather was privy to the beautiful view as they ran from Asia to Europe across Bosphorus Bridge.

Spectators and passersby spouted words of encouragement and clapped hands in support of participants.

The 8-kilometer finish line gave the 15-kilometer runners the pleasant indication they were more than halfway through. The marathoners split from the 15-kilometer runners for a few additional miles before making the first of two U-turns. The 15-kilometer and marathon runners eventually joined again at the dual finish line near the famous Blue Mosque where they were met with juice, fruit, a finisher's medal, a T-shirt  and a rain poncho.

The dry T-shirts and ponchos were quickly donned by drenched runners, some with an audible sigh of relief. A hectic search for bags with warmer, drier clothes ensued before runners scampered away from the finish area.

More than five hours after the start of the races, the last marathoner pulled through the line.

Incirlik's runners arrived at the hotel, wobbling to take a seat in the cozy lobby. The trip quickly came to a close after warm showers and comfort recovery food, followed by an early morning bus ride to the airport.

Back to their routines went the members of Team Incirlik who faced the early weather to participate in such a distinctive road race from one continent to another.