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315th AW Reservists dominate at Air Force Marathon

  • Published
  • By Tech. Sgt. Jeff Kelly
  • 31th Airlift Wing Public Affairs
CHARLESTON AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. --  The 315th Airlift Wing is home to the second place female military finisher and the third place male military finisher in the 2008 Air Force Marathon which was held September 20, 2008, at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base in Dayton, Ohio. This feat was by far the best among all military bases represented at the race.

Staff Sergeant Hannah Paxton of the 81st Aerial Port Squadron finished second among all female military runners and Master Sergeant Michael Bunting of the 315th AW Maintenance Squadron finished third among all military runners. Master Sgt. Bunting who also serves as the Wing's fitness coordinator finished 14th overall in a field of over 9,000 runners.

"I am grateful that SSgt Paxton and I placed so well in the military category," said Master Sgt. Bunting. "There is an Air Force Marathon MAJCOM Challenge and I do not believe the Air Force Reserve Command was considered as part of the MAJCOM challenge. I am hoping our scores will show what the 315th and the Reserve can do; and maybe next year AFRC will be allowed to participate."

Altogether, 14 members of Team Charleston traveled to Ohio to compete in the Air Force Marathon. Master Sgt. Bunting and Staff Sgt. Paxton were joined by Major Stefanie Shaver of the 315th Aerospace Medicine Squadron and 11 members of the 437th AW.

"The fitness center bought us uniforms and gave us gym bags full of goodies," said Master Sgt. Bunting. They also gave us a 15-passenger van to cruise to Ohio in. I can't express enough gratitude to Colonel Wrighton and Tech. Sgt. McKeen for making the Air Force Marathon possible all of us."

Upon hearing the news of how well the 315th AW performed in the marathon, the Wing's senior staff was ecstatic.

"This is great stuff," said 315th AW Command Chief Master Sergeant Ben Futrell. "I challenge any wing in the Air Force to come close to that! I'm very proud of all of them."

The 315th AW is planning to send representatives to the Air Force Marathon again next year.