White Rectangle

Deployed High Rollers compete in deployed marathon races

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Paula Macomber
  • 152nd Airlift Wing Public Affairs
SOUTHWEST ASIA --  Deployed members of the Nevada Air National Guard participated in the 50th annual Deployed Air Force Marathon, on September 19th. The marathon had three categories: a full 26.2-mile marathon, 13.1-mile half-marathon, and a 6.2-mile 10K race, in Southwest Asia.

Adding to the already austere "deployed" environment, the race stated at 5 a.m. and the temperature had already passed the 90-degree mark.

Capt. Reed Kobernik and Chief Master Sgt. Thomas Glover participated in the half-marathon. Maj. Jason Little, Capts. Merridy Stephenson and Kyle Carraher and Master Sgt. Lyle Smith were 10K participants.

Everyone finished; however, Stephenson won first place for females that ran the 10K.

"It was a great event that lifted the morale of those who came out and participated. I enjoyed the challenge and camaraderie," Stephenson said. "So there I was...surrounded by greatness, supporting my fellow Nevada guardsman running the race of their lives," she added, in a comedic jab at her fellow High Roller participants.

There were over 100 participants. The Nevada Air Guard Operations group members also participated in the "Mile Marker Decoration Competition." Although they did not win, they put out a great effort.

Four of the High Rollers also participated in the "Marine Corps Marathon Forward" that took place on October 25th: Kobernick, Stephenson, Glover and Smith.

Running marathons while deployed have their own challenges: Smith had just spent all night flying right before he ran the race. Glover and Stephenson had to fly a mission two hours after the marathon and Kobernick was on "alert" during the marathon, so he had the possibility of being alerted to fly while he was running. Even through these difficulties, every High Roller completed this race!

Most of the deployed Nevada Air National Guard members are set to be home by Thanksgiving.