WOTN compete in Air Force Marathon, contribute to record-setting participation Published Sept. 21, 2010 By Staff Sgt. R. Michael Longoria 319th Air Refueling Wing Public Affairs GRAND FORKS AIR FORCE BASE, N.D. -- Several Warriors of the North competed in a half-marathon Sept. 18 during the 2010 Air Force Marathon events at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. "It was a great day for a little morning run," said 2nd Lt. Anna M. Hall, 319th Operation Support Squadron and marathon participant. "Everyone that ran in the half-marathon achieved a personal record." The 10 Grand Forks Air Force Base Airmen that participated in the half-marathon contributed to the record-setting field of 12,000 runners. This year's participation shattered the previous marathon record of 9,969 runners. Runners were treated to B-52 and F-16 flyovers and a course that visited historical sites on the base and throughout downtown Fairborn, Ohio. A large contingency of fans lined the course and cheered as participants raced by. The Air Force Marathon course is certified by the USA Track and Field Association and is a Boston Marathon qualifier. "The atmosphere was great," said Lieutenant Hall. "Each mile had a spirit group assigned to it that dressed in a specific theme and passed out water, Gatorade or fruit. This made the race more fun and it made the miles fly by quicker. The last mile of the race was full of static displays of various aircraft and a huge cheering crowd which really motivated people to push through the last little bit." The Air Force Marathon is held the on third Saturday in September to celebrate the U.S. Air Force. The marathon has been held annually since 1997.