AFGSC bases to hold Striker Life Half Marathon Published March 30, 2012 By Carla Pampe Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. -- Air Force Global Strike Command will hold its first-ever command-wide half marathon series this spring and summer, in an effort to promote physical fitness and encourage goal-setting by Airmen. Each AFGSC base will hold a half-marathon event, beginning with Barksdale in April, and ending with Malmstrom in August. "The Striker Life Half Marathon is a way for Airmen to get involved in something different, and to set long-term goals," said Sean Lehr, with the AFGSC Personnel Directorate. "I think completing this marathon will really give individuals a sense of accomplishment." Lehr said the half marathon will be a professionally-run event. All competitors will be timed with timing chips, and will receive a participant shirt. Finishers will receive a finisher's medal. Bases will have refreshments during and after the race, and may have entertainment for spectators and children. The events may also include a 5K or 10K race for those who aren't ready for a half-marathon but still wish to participate. "This is not your normal 5K where you run, change into your uniform and go back to work," Lehr said. "We want this to be a first-class event." Air Force Global Strike Command will field a team for the Air Force Marathon in September, and the Striker Life Half Marathon series is designed to tie into that event. "This is a kind of prep for the Air Force marathon," said Lt. Col. Casey Sanders, AFGSC Personnel Directorate. "This can serve as a great training event for those planning to run that marathon." The Striker Life Half Marathon schedule is as follows: April 28 - Barksdale AFB, La. May 19 - Whiteman AFB, Mo. June 23 - Minot AFB, N.D. Aug. 18 - FE Warren AFB, Wyo. Aug. 24 - Malmstrom AFB, Mont. "The half-marathon is just another way to stress a culture of fitness in the command," Sanders said.