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ROTC Cadets Take Part in United States Air Force Marathon

  • Published
  • By Cimmeron Taylor
  • U.S. Air Force Marathon Office Report
WRIGHT PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio --  Combat boots keep rhythm against the pavement as local university ROTC Cadets gear up to take part in the United States Air Force Marathon. 

Army ROTC Cadets from Wright State University and the University of Dayton plan to run several events over the course of marathon weekend. 

The marathon, half-marathon, and 10K will be held September 19, 2009, starting at the National Museum of the United States Air Force adjacent to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. The 5K will be co-hosted between WPAFB and Wright State University on September 18, 2009, and will take place on the WSU campus. 

Army ROTC faculty members say participating in the marathon is a great way for their cadets to build team morale. Charles Arneson, Admissions and Scholarship Officer for WSU Army ROTC, said one way they do this is by cheering on the runners as they near the finish. "The entire Wright State Cadet Corps takes pride in our Cadets participating in the annual USAF Marathon," he said. "The event really builds esprit de corps within the Raider Battalion." 

According to Arneson, the marathon also helps to develop teamwork, physical fitness and mental toughness among the cadets as they prepare for the race.

UD Army ROTC Cadet Tim Wall agreed, saying "The half and full marathon are both great endurances exercises and give young cadets the opportunity to 'see what they are made of.' The Marathon is large event that shows young cadets the community support for the military."

Although it takes a lot of work to train for marathon events, Arneson said the cadets are rewarded for their efforts by gaining physical strength and a mental toughness. "Hard work really pays off when you compete in the marathon to challenge yourself to excel in a physical and mental test of 26.2 miles," he said.

To find out more about the U.S. Air Force Marathon, including volunteer and registration information, please visit www.usafmarathon.com.