Officials set date for 3rd Annual Aviano Marathon

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Michael O'Connor
  • 31st Fighter Wing Public Affairs
AVIANO AIR BASE, Italy --  The 31st Force Support Squadron is partnering with the Aviano Road Runners, a group of U.S. and Italian runners, to co-host the 3rd Annual Aviano Marathon in conjunction with the group's annual volksmarch. The marathon is set for Sept. 13. 

This year's event will start and finish off-base at the Area D complex, located between the two AGIP gas stations nearest to the city of Aviano, and is open to both military and civilian runners.

The first two marathons held in 2007 and 2008 began and finished in Area F, also known as the flightline area, of Aviano Air Base, requiring participants of the full-length marathon to run four 6.55-mile laps around the perimeter roadways of the flightline and was limited to participants with authorized access to the base. 

"The marathon moved off-base this year to make it an American-Italian event in which everyone can participate without the restrictions of the base," said Jennifer Kellner, 31st FSS Dragon Fitness Center fitness programs director and personal trainer. "It provides a 'change in scenery' for the runners and walkers who do physical training on base throughout the week and gives [them] an option to get out into the community and do something different -- a true family event."

Ms. Kellner added that on and off-base transportation is being worked to provide buses from the Dragon Fitness Center to Area D throughout the day to ease the parking issue in Area D.

While this year's event is being co-hosted, Mrs. Kellner wanted to make sure participants understood there are two separate annual running events taking place simultaneously on the same course -- the 3rd Annual Aviano Marathon, also known as the 3rd Maratona Della Citta Di Aviano, and the Aviano Road Runners' annual volksmarch.

"Runners and walkers need to know that this is a cross-country style event and not your typical marathon," she said.

Volunteers Needed:
Hosting an event of this magnitude takes a lot of planning, sponsors and volunteers. Fifty-plus volunteers assisted the Dragon Fitness Center staff in 2008 and even more are needed for the 2009 event.

"Without the support of many squadrons this event would not be possible," said Mrs. Kellner.

To sign-up as a volunteer for this year's marathon, e-mail Mrs. Kellner as soon as possible at jennifer.kellner@aviano.af.mil.  

Marathon Registration/Medical Waiver:
For marathon event details, registration fees and medical waiver information, go to www.31fss.com/FITNESS/marathon09copy32.pdf.  The Dragon Fitness Center staff will be in the aerobics room of the gym 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 11 so runners can pick-up their race packets and for late registrations.

Race History:
The event, first held on Oct. 20, 2007, has attracted more than 200 competitors each year from military installations in Europe. Runners and walkers alike have competed in the 26.2-mile marathon and various shorter distances such as the 13.1-mile half-marathon, 10-kilometer and 5K walk/runs and a 1-mile fun-run for children. The 2008 results can be found online at http://www.aviano.af.mil/news/story.asp?id=123117523.  

Marathon Course Map:
As marathon participants depart Area D they'll travel through corn fields and farms as they head toward the Budoia Industrial Area. From there, they'll head toward the town of Castello D'Aviano and its golf course, then up to the mountain highway where they'll cross the roadway and begin trekking their way through the woods up toward the Chrome Dome, also known as the Madonna Del Monte. Once they reach the Chrome Dome, the course will lead runners/walkers back down and across the mountain highway and onto smaller back roads toward the town of Marsure. (Marathoners are not climbing up to the Chrome Dome, only passing in front of it through the town and then heading toward Marsure. Only half marathoners and volksmarchers doing the 15K are climbing up to the Chrome Dome.)  From here, the course heads down through Aviano heading toward the town square, over the railroad tracks to the 31st Civil Engineer Squadron compound and ending back at Area D. 

Marathon Aid Stations:
There will be water, first aid, and food stations approximately every four kilometers, plus road guards will be placed throughout the course to help direct traffic and all courses will be color-coded. Cyclists will be riding throughout the duration of the day on all courses keeping an eye out for anyone needing assistance. If you want to volunteer to ride your mountain/road bike, please e-mail jennifer.kellner@aviano.af.mil.

Half Marathon, 10K and 5K Course Map:
The 5K only goes through the local corn fields and farms and back to Area D. The 10K follows same course starting out, heads up toward Castello D'Aviano and then back to Area D. The half marathon follows same course up to the Chrome Dome and then back to Area D. 

Race Day Sequence of Events:
6:30-7:30 a.m.: Same-day registration near start/finish line
7:50-8 a.m.: Opening ceremony and welcome comments by 31st Fighter Wing senior leadership.
8 a.m.: Course safety briefing
8:05 a.m.: 26.2-mile marathon begins
8:10 a.m.: 13.1-mile half marathon begins
8:20 a.m.: 10-kilometer walk/run begins (Route is stroller friendly--pets welcome)
8:30 a.m.: 5-kilometer walk/run begins (Route is stroller friendly--pets welcome)
9 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Full day of events being scheduled to include games, arts and crafts, and a bouncy castle for children, 31st Security Forces Squadron Military Working Dog Demonstration, 31st FW Honor Guard Drill Team Demo and live music performance
11 a.m.: 1-mile fun-run for children begins
2 p.m.: Awards ceremony and closing remarks presented/made by 31st FW senior leadership.