NATO partners compete in Incirlik Air Force half-marathon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Nicole Sikorski
  • 39 Air Base Wing Public Affairs
INCIRLIK AIR BASE, Turkey --  Runners gathered for Incirlik's annual Air Force half-marathon at Arkadash Park Sept. 14.

More than 120 service members and civilians showed up at 5:30 a.m. ready to run the 13.1 mile race. While many chose to run the entire distance themselves, others chose to run as teams of four and divide the length of the race so that each person ran 3.25 miles.

At the end of the race, medals were awarded to the first, second and third place individuals and teams in the overall race - men's category 29 and younger, men's 30 and older, women's 29 and younger and women's 30 and older.

It was the first half-marathon race for many Airmen at Incirlik Air Base.

"Whenever it's your first time doing something it's a big deal," said Master Sgt. Ann Mitchell, 39th Force Support Squadron event coordinator.

Not only was the half-marathon a good opportunity for Airmen to stay fit to fight, but it also served to strengthen the NATO-alliance here.

"It was a really great opportunity to run here in Turkey," said Dutch 2nd Lt. Gelle Sommen, 1st Netherlands Ballistic Missile Defense Task Force comptroller. "Everyone on the side was really enthusiastic and motivating on the last part of the race. I really needed that."

Airmen at Incirlik enjoyed participating with their Dutch and Turkish neighbors, said Mitchell.

"It was great for us to come together with our Dutch and Turkish counterparts in this community event," she said.

As well as being a great booster for community involvement, it also gave Airmen at Incirlik AB a sense of involvement with runners back home.

"Some people usually participate in the Air Force marathon in the states," said Mitchell. "Those who can't make it have the opportunity to run the half-marathon here."

The results of the half-marathon are as follows.

1st Team Finishers: (1:22:50) Peter Van As, Floris Kolenberg, Sjors Pruysten, Leon Van Kessel
2nd Team Finishers: (1:37:34) Kellie Rutherford, Shane Perkins, Matthew Wilderson, Keyton Daniels
3rd Team Finishers: (1:41:40) Malia Bush, Fred Aban, Miles Maloy, Logan Jones

MEN'S CATEGORY 29 and YOUNGER
1st: Brian Baumgarten-1:26:37
2nd: Joost Den Boon-1:42:31
3rd: Terrance Bethany-1:43:15

MEN'S CATEGORY 30 and OLDER
1st: Tommy Rutherford-1:31:04
2nd: Floris Kolenberg-1:34:20
3rd: Rwi Tieman-1:36:12

WOMEN'S CATEGORY 29 and YOUNGER
1st: Kellie Rutherford-1:42:32
2nd: Lindsay Van De Pol-1:47:08
3rd: Shaina Kubissa-1:49:41

WOMEN'S CATEGORY 30 and OLDER
1st: Kimberly Caldwell-1:46:25
2nd: Casey Triplett-1:47:17
3rd: Stacy Turner-2:00:32