Aviano sergeant, civilian breeze past competition

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Julius Delos Reyes
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Forces Support Squadron hosted the 2010 U.S. Air Forces in Europe Cross-Country Central Region Championships Oct. 15 at Madonna Del Monte, Aviano, Italy.

Donnie Gray, 31st Communications Squadron, took first place in the men's 10 km race with a time of 38:35, while Antoaneta Fitzpatrick, 31st Medical Group, took first in the women's 5 km event with a time of 24:19.

"I just wanted to get a good run in today and see where I am at," Gray said. "Coming from the Air Force marathon three weeks ago, I did really well. Today was a good test to see where my legs are at. I am getting better. I am getting sharp."

Prior to the competition, Gray ran the Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 18. He finished with a personal best of 3:02:57. He said he appreciates his family for giving him support and motivation.

"My family is always supporting me throughout my Air Force career, especially for fitness," Gray said. "They're always at my fitness tests and competitions, either at the states or when they travel with me. It sure did give me a lot of energy seeing their faces, it motivated me to do my best."

Fitzpatrick, who echoed Gray's enthusiasm, said finishing first was a great experience and an amazing feeling.

"The course was easy and not that technical," she said. "The weather was nice. It was a perfect day, perfect time. The course was well-marked and well-prepared."

Fitzpatrick's preparations for the competition included running trails and flat surfaces, performing speed intervals, bicycling and doing variations of other sports. In addition, she has also participated in 5 km, 10 km, half marathon and cross country events.

Neville Besignach, 31st FSS sports director, said the volunteers and helpers were integral in ensuring the cross-country championships' success.

"Without them, these events would never get off the ground," Besignach said. "It's a big job setting up the course and the logistics. All in all, it was a great event. People enjoyed the race, camaraderie and location. Everything was organized and we have the support of the local community."

Top finishers are:

- Men's 10 km (40 and above): Donnie Gray, 38:35
- Men's 10 km (30 to 39): Eric Fitzpatrick, 41:55
- Men's 10 km (open): Jared Struck, 42:33
- Women's 5 km (40 and above): Danila Cristante, 36:23
- Women's 5 km (30 to 39): Gladys Pacheco, 25:23
- Women's 5 km (20 to 29): Antoaneta Fitzpatrick, 24:19