Airmen run in Army ‘10-miler’

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Ryan Hansen
  • 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing Public Affairs
BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) --  More than 100 Airmen took part in the second annual Logistics Support Area Anaconda 10-Miler road race held here Oct. 24.

Overall the group was just a small part of the more than 1,300 Soldiers, Marines, Sailors and Department of Defense civilians who competed in the event. Participants entered as individuals in one of three age groups, as part of a four-to-eight person team or as a four-person relay team.

“I hope that everyone had fun,” said Army Staff Sgt. Johnnie Holmes, of the 226th Medical Logistics Battalion Forward, who organized the race. “(The 10-miler) helps builds morale. It almost makes us forget about what is going on and just relax a bit.”

One Airman who stood out during the race was Master Sgt. Donald Beaulieu of the 332nd Air Expeditionary Wing chapel. He is deployed from Tinker Air Force Base, Okla., and he came in third overall while claiming first place in his age group.

“I find it simply amazing to have an opportunity to compete in a 10-mile race with more than 1,300 competitors in the middle of a combat zone,” he said. “Putting on a race of this magnitude is no easy feat; the amount of volunteer hours required is very demanding, especially when you take into account the long work hours expended in a combat environment. The whole occasion was a blessing with great weather and a lull in attacks.”

While some entered for competition, others entered for fun, exercise and to help build camaraderie while deployed.

“I had a wonderful time running with my teammates and a lot of folks from Balad,” said Capt. Eileen Kirkland of the 332nd AEW manpower office. She is deployed from Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, and she competed on a four-person relay team.

“It was a great day to run, and I am not even a runner. But it was a lot of fun to get out there with my fellow Air Force comrades and to enjoy the hospitality of the Army. They really went all out for the event,” she said.

The LSA Anaconda 10-Miler was held in conjunction with the annual Army 10-Miler in Washington.