SJAFB sponsors Project Wounded Warrior half marathon, 10k races Published March 24, 2010 By Tech. Sgt. Lesley Waters 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs SEYMOUR JOHNSON AIR FORCE BASE, N.C. -- For those who have considered running a marathon but thought it was too far, here is your chance to run half of one; or better yet a quarter of one, while supporting a good cause. The 4th Force Support Squadron fitness staff on Seymour Johnson Air Force Base is joining forces with the Wounded Warrior Project to sponsor a half marathon and a 10-kilometer race on base, but open to the Goldsboro community May 1. "We wanted to organize an event where we could raise awareness to our military and civilian communities about a specific program that focuses on helping injured troops from war," said Senior Airman Brian Delacruz, 4th FSS fitness and sports specialist. "This is the first time we've actually had a half marathon on base and I wanted to take on the challenge. We've been successful in the past with 10-kilometer and other races, but we wanted to ante it up a little bit this time around. We are inviting civilians from off base to join us on the route that runs past the flight line along our F-15E Strike Eagles." The proceeds from the races will go to the Wounded Warrior Project, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to "honor and empower wounded warriors" from the U.S. Armed Forces. The project raises awareness and enlists the public's aid to help meet the needs of severely injured servicemembers, through unique, direct programs and services. The marathon is open to servicemembers, family members, retirees and civilians living in the local area who are 18 years of age or older. The fitness center has a waiver parents or legal guardians of interested runners under the age of 18 can fill out. Those who do not have a valid military ID must e-mail Delacruz to register for access to the installation. Showtime for the half-marathon is 7 a.m. with the race starting at 8 a.m., from the parking lot of the Thrift Shop near Slocomb Gate. The 10-kilometer race will start 15 minutes later. The fee for either race is $30 and the registration deadline is April 9. For those needing to load up on carbohydrates, there is a $10 pasta dinner buffet at 6 p.m., April 30 at the Southern Eagle Dining Facility, and civilians are invited. To register for a race or the buffet, call Delacruz at 722-0408 or e-mail at brian.delacruz@seymourjohnson.af.mil. For more information about the races, visit http://www.active.com/running/goldsboro-nc/wounded-warrior-half-marathon10k-run-2010. For more information about the Wounded Warrior Project, visit the Web site at http://www.woundedwarriorproject.org.