Air Force Marathon breaks another attendance record

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio (AFNS) --  The 2012 running of the Air Force Marathon was the largest ever and sold out in record time.

The race has grown to a field of more than 15,000 runners, doubling in size since 2008, representing all 50 states, 15 countries, all military services, and a diversity that included world-class marathoners, spirited amateurs and those running their first marathon ever.

Participants had the choice of competing in the full marathon, a half marathon, 5K and 10K runs, as well as a wheeled division.

The 16th annual running event was opened by Gen. Janet Wolfenbarger, Air Force Materiel Command commander. The general reminded those gathered that the running of the 10K, half and full marathon race was only three days before the U.S. Air Force's 65th birthday Sept. 18.

"This course traverses historical sites that will take you over, around and through more than 100 years of aviation of history," Wolfenbarger said. "These skies above you are truly sacred, so don't forget to look up".

Runners and spectators were treated to a B-2 Spirit flyover to start the race. The bomber aircraft was designated the official plane of this year's race.

Wolfenbarger concluded her remarks thanking "this year's 2,100-plus volunteers whose efforts truly make this a world class event."

The three-day event started Sept. 13 with a Sports and Fitness Expo held at the Ervin J. Nutter Center on the campus of Wright State University. Exhibitors at the expo showcased the latest in sports, fitness and nutrition.

The expo concluded with a 5K race held on the university's campus and a pre-marathon pasta dinner at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force.

This year's full marathon winner was Capt. Brian Dumm, an English instructor at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, Colo.

"What a great crowd, volunteers and weather; everything was just pitch perfect," Dumm said. "It was great to be out there representing the Air Force in a community that is so Air Force proud."

The captain is a repeat winner, having won the 2010 Air Force Marathon, and plans to compete at the U.S. Military Championship next month at Quantico, Va. The Air Force Marathon is sanctioned by the USA Track & Field Association and is a qualifier for the Boston Marathon.

Winners are listed below. All times are unofficial at the time of this release:

-- Men's full marathon: Capt. Brian Dumm, 29, U.S. Air Force, Colorado Springs, Colo., 2:28:58.

-- Men's full marathon overall active military winner: Capt. Brian Dumm

-- Women's full marathon: Heidi Hamilton, 29, Trophy Club, Texas, 3:01:09

-- Women's full marathon overall active military winner: Capt. Melissa Poole, 28, U.S. Air Force, Newport News, Va., 3:20:11

-- Men's full marathon, Crank Wheelchair Division: Bruce Chase, 61, Westerville, Ohio, 1:22:43

-- Women's full marathon, Crank Wheelchair Division: Holly Koester, 52, Westerville, Ohio, 2:32:37

-- Men's full marathon, Rim Wheelchair Division: John Moore, 29, Centerville, Ohio, 2:55:23

-- Men's half marathon: Ben Payne, 30, Fort Walton Beach, Fla., 1:07:32

-- Men's half marathon overall active military winner: Ben Payne

-- Women's half marathon: Emily Shertzer, 32, Jonestown, Pa., 1:24:52

-- Women's half marathon overall active military winner: Emily Shertzer

-- Men's 10K individual: Kristoffer Chacon, 25, Lomita, Calif.. 33:57

-- Men's 10K overall active military winner: Kristoffer Chacon

-- Women's 10k individual: Elizabeth Laselle, 31, Dayton, Ohio, 38:03

-- Women's 10K overall active military winner: Mary Fessner-Tarjanyi, 36, Dayton, Ohio, 50:28

U.S. Air Force Marathon - Wright State University 5K race results from Sept. 14:

-- Men's 5K: Kory Kennedy, 22, Kokomo, Ind., 16:39

-- Men's 5K overall active military winner: Krisstoffer Chacon, 25, Lomita, Calif., 16:05

-- Men's 5K overall Wright State winner: Sean Magee, 19, Fairborn, Ohio, 18:21

-- Women's 5K: Carol Grate, 61, Greenfield, Ohio, 21:25

-- Women's 5K overall military winner: Rachel Leugers, 36, Dayton, Ohio, 28:06

-- Women's 5K overall Wright State winner: Brooke Mosier, 18, 23:48