Eskan Village deployed Airmen host marathon Published Oct. 2, 2007 ESKAN VILLAGE, Saudi Arabia -- While Airmen deployed to Southwest Asia could not compete in the Air Force marathon, they did the next best thing - they staged one of their own. Runners started with daylight temperatures of 109 degrees and finished in the dark, with temperature "cooling off" to 100 degrees, for the first Eskan Village Air Force Marathon Sept. 15. Overall winner in the full marathon was 30-year-old Staff Sgt. Robert Braaten, 21st Civil Engineer Squadron. Sergeant Braaten had the winning time of 4:19:10. "It was challenging, yet rewarding. I am very proud to have been a part of such a successful event," he said. Second place went to Staff Sgt. Robert Cordova, also deployed from the 21st CES, with a time of 5:29:50. "This was my first full marathon attempt and it was physically; the toughest experience of my life. It was both miserable and satisfying at the same time," Sergeant Cordova said. The first place finisher of the half marathon and the event coordinator, 45-year-old Chief Master Sergeant Jerry Delebreau, 45th Security Forces Squadron, Patrick Air Force Base, Fla., said, "the event was a huge success after seeing all the smiles of the deployed troops involved, whether they supported or ran in the event." "I was extremely thrilled to receive the official Air Force Marathon medals to present to all 70 of our participants who ran there hearts out after a grueling long day," Chief Delebreau said. Second place in the half marathon went to Tech. Sgt. Andrew Hindman, 43rd Security Forces Squadron, Pope AFB, N.C., with a time of 2:29:50. Staff Sgt. Kristen Romani, 9th Security Forces Squadron, Beale AFB, Calif., took the honors in the women's half marathon with a 3:23.30 finish. "I really enjoyed going out and experiencing the challenge with my fellow Eskan deployed warriors," she said. The first Eskan Village race had a total of 70 runners ranging in ages from 20 to 47 years of age, as well as 40 volunteers that supported the event. "The efforts and dedication of the whole support team and all the runners was phenomenal," said Lt. Col. John Brooker, 45th Security Forces Squadron commander, Patrick AFB, applauding the team effort.