Airmen among record turnout for Denver half marathon

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  • By Mike Molina
  • Editor
DENVER --  Eleven Airmen from the Air Reserve Personnel Center were among the more than 1,500 runners who participated in the 8th Annual Platte River Half Marathon in Denver on April 11.

Leading the way for the ARPC runners was Tech. Sgt. Manuel Zubia, who completed the race in 1 hour, 33 minutes, 23 seconds. The race was the first half marathon Sergeant Zubia competed in. He was the 65th finisher overall and 17th in the 30 to 34-year-old age group.

"During the race I felt mentally strong, but physically I had to push myself, especially the last two or three miles." Zubia said. "I wanted to participate in this event because a team from ARPC had formed up to race and I wanted to be a part of the team."

According to the race Web site, the event drew a record turnout. The 1,500 runners exceeded last year's participation by more than 400, and nearly doubled the turnout in 2008.

Capt. Colby Leathers has run four half marathons including the Platter River race and four full marathons. He finished second amongst the ARPC runners at 1:42:31.

"I had an aggressive target finish time, but ended up eclipsing that by almost three minutes," he said. "This was a great way to demonstrate ARPC's commitment to improve our collective fitness."

Senior Master Sgt. Tammy Jacobs led the way for ARPC's women finishing at 2:32:05. She organized the ARPC Airmen to participate in the race.

"It had been a while since I had participated in an organized run so I decided to sign up remembering how motivational it can be running with others," Jacobs said. "I was thinking how to include others, so I started asking around and before I knew it people were rising to the challenge."

In 2009, the 13.1-mile race was named Colorado's best half marathon by Colorado Runner Magazine.

"I really liked the course for this race and this size," Leathers said. "The race uses the trail system around Denver and that made it easier logistically."

Though the course was challenging, including the only uphill section at mile 12, Jacobs said it was rewarding to cross the finish line.

"I felt tired but knew I would complete the distance," she said. "Running is addictive. If you can get past the first few miles of pain and aches, it's relaxing and emotionally cleansing."