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34th SOS pilot takes top spot at Air Force half-marathon

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Joe McFadden
  • 1st Special Operations Wing Public Affairs
HURLBURT FIELD, Fla. --  Although not as fast as the aircraft he flies, a PC-12 pilot from the 34th Special Operations Squadron blasted past the competition in the men's half marathon during the 2010 Air Force Marathon at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, Sept. 17-18.

Capt. Ben Payne finished the 13.1-mile race in a scorching 1:08:27, taking first place as the active-duty men's challenge winner.

"I'm going to enjoy it as long as my legs hold up," Captain Payne said. "I've been blessed with some fast legs, so I'm going to use them as long as I can and keep going."

Captain Payne is no stranger to this Air Force contest, having finished second place in the 2009 half marathon, first place in the 2008 10K and fourth place in the 2006 half marathon. He's also a member of the Air Force marathon team, a part of Air Force Sports, a compilation of Airman athletes.

Gen. Norton Schwartz, Air Force Chief of Staff, who also ran in the marathon, presented him with an award for his accomplishment. Captain Payne said he was impressed that General Schwartz took the time to do that.

According to marathon coordinators, 12,000 runners registered in the event, running in the full marathon, half-marathon, 10K, 5K and wheeled division races.

"The event is getting bigger every year and has the respect of the Chief of Staff," Captain Payne said. "It was an honor to shake his hand."

An avid runner who finished his mile-and-a-half run in 7:14, one of the best times in AFSOC, Captain Payne traced his interest in running back to high school.

"I got cut from the baseball team my sophomore year," he said. "After that, I went out for track and ended up liking it. I stuck with it and ended up getting recruited to the Air Force Academy for Track and Cross Country. Getting cut from the baseball team was the best blessing in disguise that's ever happened to me."

After earning his commission, Captain Payne maintained the quick pace by running between 70 and 80 miles a week. He cited the importance of consistency as a key component behind his running.

"I've been a lot more consistent by running every single day and sticking to the workout plan more than I have in the past," he said. "Regardless of what you're training for, if it's a mile-and-a-half or a 50-mile, if you're running consistently and sticking to the plan that you set out, that's your best chance for success."

Along with his running schedule, he emphasized a healthy diet, particularly breakfast, giving him the fuel to run as much as he does.

In the meantime, Captain Payne is preparing to represent the Air Force in the World Military Marathon Championship in Athens, Greece, in October. He will represent the Air Force among 300 other participants from various countries around the world.

"It's a privilege to do this in addition to flying and my squadron duties," Captain Payne said. "To run and represent the 34th SOS, [Air Force Special Operations Command] and the Air Force is something I don't take for granted."