Music marathon serves as major fitness motivator Published Feb. 7, 2012 By Capt. Cathleen Snow 920th Rescue Wing Public Affairs MELBOURNE, Fla. -- The Air Force community emphasizes health and fitness in an Airman's life and a recent community health and fitness event served as a major motivator for Airmen at Patrick Air Force Base, Fla. Air Force Reservists and active duty Airmen from Patrick joined racers from 48 states and various countries in the 2012 Melbourne & Beaches Music Marathon weekend Feb. 3-5 in Melbourne Fla. The festivities included a health and fitness expo; a 5K, 8K, half-marathon and full marathon; and ended with a hand-cycle race. Lieutenant Col. Joel Kinnunen, the Headquarters Air Force Reserve Command Guardian Angel manager at Robins AFB, Ga., won first place in the 45-year-old age category. Not far behind, were many Patrick Airmen as well as Kinnunen's wife Stephanie who joined in the competition. Airmen not only competed, but volunteered to support. Colonel Jeffrey Macrander, 920th Rescue Wing commander here, officiated the hand-cycle event, while songstress Tech. Sgt. Jennifer Fiore, invited the 3,000 race participants to sing along during her rendition of the national anthem. John Pyle, Patriot Run Across America runner and creator, also joined the race. Pyle waved a flag during the marathon circuit and plans to do the same in a run across the U.S. with a flag that was flown by the U.S. military over Afghanistan on Christmas Day. The run will commence shortly taking him from San Francisco to Key West, Fla., to raise awareness, and $1 million, for the Wounded Warrior Project, a cause that helps wounded military veterans with rehabilitation needs after serving in combat operations. Click here to see additional photos. For more information on the 920th Rescue Wing, follow them on Facebook and Twitter.