The White Falcon - 20.08.1993, Blaðsíða 8

Marathon to draw thousands
Marines test their strength during the Physical Fitness Test that
was administered earlier this week while the Marine Corps'
Commanding General's Inspection Team conducted a com-
mand inspection of the Marine company stationed at Naval Air
Station, Keflavlk. (Photo by J02 Carlos Bongioanni)
Why come all the way to Iceland to run in a race? Then again,
why do seemingly sensible people put so much effort in punish-
ing their bodies by running 26 excruciating miles? The answer
may lie someplace between “runner’s high” and a mental state
known as madness.
Whatever their reason for running, long-distance runners
from around the world are making the trek to Iceland to be part
of the 10th International Reykjavik Marathon. According to
Icelandic sources who have participated in past marathons, the
annual event continues to grow in popularity each year it
occurs.
“Iceland’s uniqueness... its location, weather, natural won-
ders, history and culture... provides something different and
challenging for runners who take the sport seriously,” said
Haraldur Stefansson an avid runner who has participated in past
events.
For American’s stationed at NAS Keflavik, it’s a unique op-
portunity to take part in a prestigious event. Even if there are not
full marathoners at the base, runners can still attend the event,
because therel be shorter runs as well. In addition to the full
marathon, there will be a half-marathon, 10K race and a fun run. ^
All events start Sunday morning at 11 a.m. on Laekjargata, in M
downtown Reykjavik near the duck pond. ^
Soccer notes
of interest
Members of the Naval Air Station
(NAS), Keflavlk, Fire Station routinely
play soccer during the summer months as
part of their physical fitness program.
In late July, 12 members of the Fire
Dept, flew to Sweden to play in the 20th
annual soccer competition that pitted air-
port fire dept, representatives from three
northern European countries against each
other. The men from NAS, Keflavlk, took
second place in the round robin event,
beating the Finnish team 8-2, but losing to
Sweden, 4-3.
In related news, the U. S. and Icelandic
national soccer teams will play each other
in Reykjavik on August 31. Anyone inter-
ested in seeing the game should contact
the MWR tour office or gym to purchase
tickets.
Members of the Fire Depi. improve their skills in a practice session earlier this week. (Photo by
J02 Carlos Bongioanni.
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The White Falcon