Music marathon serves as major fitness motivator

  • Published
  • By Capt. Cathleen Snow
  • 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs
MELBOURNE, Fla. --  Due to the emphasis on health and fitness in Airmen life throughout the Air Force community, a community health and fitness event, Feb. 3-5, served as a major motivator for Airmen at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., to increase their fitness levels to compete in various races.

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The Florida sun shined on the weekend of winter health and fitness activities, accompanied by live music, throughout the surrounding community. Airmen not only competed, but volunteered to support.

Col. Jeffrey Macrander, 920th Rescue Wing commander here, officiated the hand-cycle event during the Melbourne and Beaches Music Marathon, while songstress Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Fiore, invited the 3,000 race participants to sing along during her rendition of the national anthem.

Among racers from 48 states and various countries, were Air Force Reservists and Active Duty Airmen from Patrick. The festivities included a health and fitness expo, a 5K, 8K, half-marathon, full marathon and ended with a hand-cycle race.

Winning first place in the 45-year-old age category was Lt. Col. Joel Kinnunen, the Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command Guardian Angel manager at Robins AFB, Ga. Not far behind, were many Patrick Airmen as well as Kinnunen's wife Stephanie who joined in the competition.

Also joining the race was Patriot Run Across America runner and creator, Mr. John Pyle. Pyle waved a flag during the marathon circuit and plans to do the same in a run across the U.S. with a flag that was flown by the U.S. military over Afghanistan on Christmas Day. The run will commence shortly and will take him from San Francisco to Key West, Fla., to raise awareness, and 1 million dollars, for the Wounded Warrior Project. A cause that helps wounded military veterans with rehabiliatation needs after serving in combat operations.

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