Yokota Striders run in Tokyo Marathon
TOKYO, Japan --
Nearly 40 people from Yokota Air Base, many of whom are Yokota Striders running club members, participated in the 2nd annual Tokyo Marathon on Feb. 17.
Nearly 30,000 people took part, including repeat runners from Yokota.
"This is the most exhilarating feeling in the world," said Master Sgt. Thomas Peterson, Yokota Striders Club president, after the run. "I am proud of every single person that participated." Sergeant Peterson ran the marathon in 4 hours, 16 minutes and 32 seconds.
"It was awesome," said Master Sgt. Dewayne Arnold, of the 374th Comptrollers Squadron. "I can't believe how well I did. It was unbelievable." Sergeant Arnold ran the marathon in 4 hours, 10 minutes and 44 seconds.
All the runners had different reasons for running the marathon.
"I ran this marathon for my brother," Sergeant Arnold said. "He had a heart attack two weeks ago." His brother has since recovered.
Many runners were surprised by the amount of support they received from the crowd who watched the marathon.
"Crowd support was unbelievable," said Capt. Joseph Williams, of the 374th Medical Operations Squadron. This included numerous bands, dance groups and others. People also handed out food and drinks to the runners.
The top finishers for Yokota were Captain Williams and Beau Veasey, a Department of Defense Dependent Schools teacher, who both ran the marathon in 3 hours and 14 minutes.
"This is a good course that is nice and flat and the weather was perfect," Captain Williams said. "We only had a light breeze and the temperature was great."
Nearly 30,000 people took part, including repeat runners from Yokota.
"This is the most exhilarating feeling in the world," said Master Sgt. Thomas Peterson, Yokota Striders Club president, after the run. "I am proud of every single person that participated." Sergeant Peterson ran the marathon in 4 hours, 16 minutes and 32 seconds.
"It was awesome," said Master Sgt. Dewayne Arnold, of the 374th Comptrollers Squadron. "I can't believe how well I did. It was unbelievable." Sergeant Arnold ran the marathon in 4 hours, 10 minutes and 44 seconds.
All the runners had different reasons for running the marathon.
"I ran this marathon for my brother," Sergeant Arnold said. "He had a heart attack two weeks ago." His brother has since recovered.
Many runners were surprised by the amount of support they received from the crowd who watched the marathon.
"Crowd support was unbelievable," said Capt. Joseph Williams, of the 374th Medical Operations Squadron. This included numerous bands, dance groups and others. People also handed out food and drinks to the runners.
The top finishers for Yokota were Captain Williams and Beau Veasey, a Department of Defense Dependent Schools teacher, who both ran the marathon in 3 hours and 14 minutes.
"This is a good course that is nice and flat and the weather was perfect," Captain Williams said. "We only had a light breeze and the temperature was great."
