Niagara Airmen take on Air Force Marathon Published Sept. 22, 2010 By Senior Airman Andrew Caya 914th Airlift Wing Public Affairs NIAGARA FALLS, N.Y. -- The 14th Annual Air Force Marathon was held this year at the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base September 17 and 18. Several events were held over the two days which included a 5K run on Friday, the 17th followed by a 10K, half marathon, and full marathon on Saturday the 18th. The Air Force Marathon was established in 1997 to celebrate the Air Force's 50th anniversary. Since then, it and has become an annual tradition in which Airmen and civilians from across the globe participate in. Staff Sgt. Robert Brown-Griffin and Senior Airman Marie York traveled from the Niagara Falls Air Reserve Station down to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base with other 914th Airlift Wing Airmen to compete in the events. York, a 914th Communications Squadron client support administrator said it was exciting and thrilling first time for her as she ran the half marathon with her Wingmen from home. "We all went down there as a group to run in the events," "It was awesome to cross the finish line and see the static aircraft on display," she said. Although it was York's first time running the half marathon, she is eager to run it again next year. "We'd like to make it a tradition for Airmen from Niagara to come down and during the Marathon." Despite the fact that this wasn't Brown-Griffin's first marathon he has competed in, he stated that the Air Force Marathon was better than other runs due to the camaraderie between the Airmen and other service members competing in the event. "There was a lot of team-spirit," said Brown-Griffin, a 914th Logistics Readiness Squadron material management helper. "Everyone was motivating each other; it was unlike anything I have done before." As for preparation for the long runs of the Air Force Marathon, York and Brown-Griffin have some advice for those willing to put in the effort: "I recommend you get a running group together and run every weekend until the Marathon," York said." However, make it social and make it fun for everyone." "Start slowly," Brown-Griffin said. "After a while start upping your time, go as much as your body will let you."