JOINT BASE ANDREWS, Md., As the sun ascents to warm the chill morning air, 171 pair of running shoes made their mark as competitors began their 13.1 mile journey here April 26, for the second Annual Joint Base Andrews Half Marathon.

From novel to veteran shoes, participants' running experience ranged everywhere in between and represented all enlisted, officer and civilian ranks as well as all military branches in the National Capital Region.

Phillip Blong kept a strong lead throughout the race and finished first overall with a time of 1:20:44. Matthew Andrade took second in the male category at 1:25:22 and Nick Wong took third place with a time of 1:26:11.

After competing in the Boston Marathon days before, Deanna Merriman took first for the female category at 1:34:40. Followed by Brianna Schmid at 1:40:40 and Lisa Rodman finished third with a time of 1:45:43.

"It was very well supported, with fantastic support on the course," said the first-place-finisher, Capt. Phillip Blong, 29th Intelligence Squadron operations engineer.

Totaling in at approximately $12,000 donated, the entire registration fee for all participants was contributed to charities such as the Air Force Assistance Fund, Malcom Grow Fisher House and the Andrews Community Fund.

The 13.1-mile course started near the West Fitness Center, stretching down, around and on the flight line, with a turn-around point at Freedom Park.

"It was a good time; I had a lot of fun out there," said Chief Warrant Officer 4 Deanna Merriman, Defense Intelligence Agency Joint Military Attaché School instructor and first overall female title winner. "I'm going to be back next year."

The complete list of times is available at http://www.amazingracetiming.com/results/2014/2014-joint-base-andrews-half-marathon/287-awards-half-marathon.html
The race was organized by the Andrews Chief's Group in order to enhance camaraderie between the various units and services.