The 3rd Annual Guam Ko'ko' Road Race

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt. Lisa M. Zunzanyika
  • 36th Wing Public Affairs
Oct 19, 2008 --  ANDERSEN AIR FORCE BASE, Guam- Team Andersen Airmen and other military members took to the streets during the third annual Guam Ko'ko' Road Race Oct. 19. The race consisted of a 13.1 mile half marathon for soloists and a 20 kilometer (12.42 mile) four-person team Ekiden relay. 

The Ekiden-team categories included Men's, Women's, Coed, Military, and Corporate. Medals were presented to the top three teams in each division. The overall team winners from the Corporate and Military teams were recognized on perpetual trophies for each division. 

The course began and ended at Ypao Beach Park and ran along Guam's lovely East Agana Bay. The race was as challenging as it was beautiful. "Overall it wasn't bad, after the first 10.7 miles it became mental for me," said half marathon participant Tech. Sgt. Reginald James of the 36th Contingency Response Group. 

Running a half marathon is no easy feat and it's not for everyone. Training for this distance takes a great deal of hard work and commitment. 

Senior Master Sgt. Gregory Stone of the 36th Mobility Response Squadron and his wife Lori trained for about 2.5 months for the race. Sergeant Stone said "After Lori found a training program that suited her, we found a small group of folks with similar goals. Without them, it would have been difficult to get up at 5 a.m. every Saturday and run." 

People who dedicate themselves to distance races do so for various reasons but one theme runs common amongst those who participated in this event. When asked why he chose to run the half marathon, Master Sgt. Don Gambles said, "To challenge myself." 

The purpose of the road race extended beyond personal challenges, the running event was designed to bring attention to the plight of the island's territorial bird, the Guam Rail or Ko'ko' Bird. A flightless bird endemic to Guam, the Ko'ko' Bird's numbers have been decimated to near extinction by the brown tree snake, pesticides and other predators.