(PHOTOS BY JACOB KESSLER / THE VILLAGE REPORTER)
STINGER… An F-16 fighter jet takes off from the 180th Fighter Wing out of the Toledo Express Airport. The take-off was part of a show following the Stinger 5K race.
By: Jacob Kessler
THE VILLAGE REPORTER
jacob@thevillagereporter.com
This Ohio Air National Guard’s 180th Fighter Wing held their 3rd annual Stinger 5K. The event was held on Sunday, September 8th from 7:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
The event took place on the fighter wings base located at the Toledo Express Airport. Sponsored by the 180th Fighter Wing Top 3 Council and Dave’s Running, the event drew in over a thousand racers from around the area, along with base personnel who chose to participate.
Before the race, everyone was welcome to tour the 9/11 Memorial located on base, as well as several other items of interest including engine displays. An opening ceremony was also held with Base Commander Col. “Stitch” Holesko leading the ceremony.
When the ceremony had concluded it was time for the race to begin. At around 8:00 a.m. runners took their places and began the journey through the base.
Like previous races, runners were able to run right past some of the F-16 jets that were parked on the Stinger Tarmac. The 180th Fire Department also had their trucks out which runners were able to see as they traveled past.
After passing the jets and making their way through the base, each runner ended their journey at the finish line where they received a medal shaped like one of the Stinger F-16’s.
The race ended just shortly after 9:00 a.m. and was followed by a children’s race around a small area of the base and back through to the finish line.
After both races had concluded, all runners headed out to the tarmac to watch some of the Stinger jets take off. Eight jets took off and performed maneuvers during take-off.
The roar of the engines hit everyone as the first four jets took off. They then circled back around and flew in formation before heading back to perform a touch and go which allowed them to once again fly over everyone.
The second set of four jets then took off and performed similar maneuvers to close out the event. It was once again the perfect way to end such a fun event.
TARMAC … Participants travel past some of the F-16 fighter jets located on the Stinger Tarmac at the 180th Fighter Wing.