Third Annual Falcon 5K Published Sept. 14, 2015 By Staff Sgt. Kelly Goonan 439th Airlift Wing Public Affairs DOBBINS AIR RESERVE BASE, Ga. -- A brisk 60-degree morning greets 163 participants who check in for the third annual Falcon 5K run sponsored by the Top 3. Just outside of base operations, DJ Mr. Inspirations pumps up the crowd with music while the racers stretch just before the race kicks-off. This year's 5K is the first time civilian spouses have been invited to participate. "I love this event, it is great to see everyone come out and run," Senior Master Sgt. Joy Hughes, 94th Civil Engineering Squadron and Falcon 5K coordinator said. DJ Mr. Inspirations began the countdown for the start of the race, "3. 2.1.," when suddenly the burst of collective pounding of sneakers on pavement filled the crisp air as every participant kicked away from the start line. Just nineteen minutes passed as the first few runners came into view, rounding the final corner. An Aeromedical Staging Squadron Airman led the pack and crossed the finish line in twenty-minutes flat. Defending his first place title from last year's Falcon run, Senior Airman David Flynn, 94th ASTS, was out to take the title home once again. "As I was giving nutritional briefings throughout the year, I guess you could say I was talking a bit big. All in fun but I knew I had to win or I'd never live it down," he said. Flynn said he usually runs an average of three to four nmiles a day, at least five times a week. Two minutes later the first female competitor came into view. This time it was a 94th Operations Group officer. Captain Rebecca Nistler soared past a few runners and took first place for the female racers clocking in at 22 minutes and 10 seconds. "I love running," Capt. Nistler said. Her first marathon was the Monster Dash in Minneapolis, Minnesota, in 2012. "The freedom [it] gives you makes the sport enjoyable." The two first place winners were presented trophies by Col. Brett Merritt, 94th Airlift Wing Commander. Top 3 plans to continue the tradition with a fourth annual race next year.
