AFPC runners participate in San Antonio marathon Published Nov. 15, 2011 By Tech. Sgt. Steve Grever Air Force Personnel, Services and Manpower Public Affairs RANDOLPH AIR FORCE BASE, Texas - -- The Air Force Personnel Center here had more than 90 Airmen, civilians and their family members participate in the Rock n' Roll Half Marathon and Marathon Nov. 13 in San Antonio. The personnel center had 19 people participate in the 26.2-mile marathon, and more than 80 ran in the 13.1-mile half marathon race. Other AFPC members also took part in the two-person, half marathon relay and bike tour. Chief Master Sgt. Ruben Gonzalez, AFPC's command chief master sergeant, said it was amazing to see the amount of people representing AFPC at this annual race that supports cancer research. Gonzalez finished the half-marathon with a time of 2:40:36. "Our Airmen, civilians and family members stepped up and showcased the best the Air Force has to offer during this community event," Gonzalez said. "AFPC epitomizes excellence in all we do by our fitness standards and through supporting events in our local communities." Tech. Sgt. Dina Delgado, AFPC's Active Duty Service Commitment policy program manager, began running five to eight miles for six weeks to prepare for the half marathon race. Delgado finished the half marathon with a time of 2:16:26. "I realized setting a goal of running a half marathon help me improve my attitude toward fitness and running as a whole," Delgado said. "We only have one body and it's important to take care of ourselves to live happy, healthy and productive lives." Staff Sgt. Deencel Tan, AFPC separations branch adverse actions technician, actively participates in the AFPC running club and used Air Force resources to help her reach her fitness and running goals. Tan finished the half-marathon with a time of 2:20:08. "I attended a Health and Wellness Center running seminar, which helped get me started to train for this half marathon," Tan said. "They provided us a booklet that included a training program and running schedule. It also included tips on how to eat right and hydrate properly. Fitness has always been part of my everyday activity." Senior Master Sgt. Greg Barnes, AFPC's knowledge operations superintendent for the director of staff, organized a local running club at the center to reinforce the Air Force's goal of making physical fitness a part of all Airmen's lifestyles. "The goal of the club is to get people involved with running races, give them an avenue to meet and talk about running and increase their overall fitness levels," Barnes said. Barnes took the initiative to organize and schedule monthly club meetings and talk face-to-face with Airmen to get them involved in this year's marathon and half marathon races. He also educated unit members about other running events in the local area. Barnes finished the marathon with a time of 5:03:21. "The turnout was amazing," he said. "It was really cool to see all the people out there wearing AFPC running shirts and showing their Air Force pride to more than 25,000 runners who participated in this year's race."