The U.S. Armed Forces Marathon team fought through the heat and humidity for a strong showing at the 2013 Conseil International du Sport Militaire (CISM) World Marathon Military Championship on 23 November in Paramaribo, Suriname.
The US Women led by Air Force Major Elissa Ballas and Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Brenda Schrank‘s top ten performance earned the bronze medal behind Namibia (gold) and Brazil (silver). Army Captains Samantha Wood and Nicole Solana completed USA’s roster in a strong performance from the US Women earning their fourth team medal in the last five world championships since 2008.
On the men’s side, Navy’s Petty Officer 2nd Class Justin Turner led the US Men with a time of 2h 37m 59s (19th overall). The US Men placed 7th overall as Poland (gold), Namibia (silver) and Algeria (bronze) reached the podium. Navy Commanders Conrad Orloff and Matthew Thomas along with the US Chief of Mission and Army Lieutenant Colonel Liam Collins rounded out the US roster.
Service members were chosen to the US team based on their availability and performance from the 2012 Armed Forces Marathon Championship held within the Marine Corps Marathon. Due to the close proximity of the CISM Marathon and the Marine Corps Marathon, rosters were determined one year prior. However, Schrank, Ballas, and Thomas competed for their respective Services at the 2013 Armed Forces Marathon Championship just three weeks prior to the CISM Championship.
Seventeen (17) nations participated with 73 military athletes from across the world. Suriname hosted the 45th CISM Marathon with temperatures in the mid-80’s along with 78% humidity.
The first Military World Marathon Championship was hosted by the United States in 1946, two years prior to the official creation of CISM. The Netherlands has announced that they will host the 2014 CISM World Marathon Championship in Eindhoven.
Team USA Results:
Women:
Maj Elissa Ballas (USAF) – 3.08.50 (9th)
Lt Col Brenda Schrank (USAF) – 3.09.02 (10th)
CPT Samantha Wood (Army) – 3.23.38 (14th)
CPT Nicole Solana (Army) – 3.30.46 (16th)
Men:
PO2 Justin Turner (Navy) – 2.37.59 (19th)
CDR Conrad Orloff (Navy) – 2.48.24 (29th)
CDR Matthew Thomas (Navy) – 2.56.33 (32nd)
LTC Liam Collins (Army) – 3.04.16 (35th)
Team Captain – Capt Justine Whipple (USMC)
Chief of Mission – LTC Liam Collins (Army)
Click here for complete results
Click here for event photos