Guard Runners Compete in Chicago All-Guard Team’s Largest Marathon of the Year

SSgt. Tyrell Heaton
Public Affairs (MNANG)

With more than one and a half million spectators along the course of the Chicago Marathon the National Guard was well represented by strong race performances. With an easily recognizable logo of solid block lettering -- National Guard -- printed on the front and back of the race uniforms, the thirty team members heard the constant clamor of “Go National Guard” throughout the entire 26.2 mile course.

SSG Mike Streff (SD ARNG) said he must have heard, “Go National Guard!” a thousand times. CPT Whitney Miller (IN ARNG), a veteran member of the All-Guard Team, said he doesn’t remember ever hearing such a roar for the National Guard during a race.

Highlights for the All-Guard team include a 3rd and 5th place Co-ed Team finish and the Open Men’s Team claimed 5th place in an elite field of some of the world’s best marathoners.

TSgt Michael Bergquist (WA ANG) led the men’s team with a time of 2 hours 41 minutes, 55 seconds through high sustained winds. Bergquist was followed closely by SSgt Michael Streff (SD ARNG) and SSG James Bresette (AR ARNG) with times of 2 hours, 43 minutes, 49 seconds and 2 hours, 45 minutes, 26 seconds respectively. 1LT Edward King (OR ARNG) finished in a time of 2 hours, 49 minutes, 44 seconds while LTC Jeffery Olive (GA ARNG) rounded out the top five finishers for the Men’s Open Team with time of 2 hours, 59 minutes, 32 seconds.

The Co-ed Team was paced by SFC Trent Sinnett and CPT Whitney Miller both of the Indiana National Guard. Sinnett’s time of 2 hours, 54 minutes, 10 seconds and Miller’s time of 2 hours, 56 minutes, 57 seconds helped their team finish 3rd place in their division. TSgt Mike Ziegle (WI ANG) finished in a time of 2 hours, 59 minutes, 19 seconds. Ziegle also had the best placing as an individual; placing 3rd in his division. SGT Michelle Elliott (MO ARNG) and SGT Tarissa Batenhorst (NE ARNG) completed the scoring for the Co-ed Team with times of 3 hours, 21 minutes, 10 seconds and 3 hours, 38 minutes, 42 seconds respectively.

The Guard’s other Co-ed Team finished closely behind in 5th place. SSgt Jason De Heus (AK ANG) was the frontrunner for this team finishing in a time of 2 hours, 56 minutes, 20 seconds. SFC Steven Murphy (PA ARNG) and TSgt Michael White (WA ANG) ran together and finished in times of 2 hours, 59 minutes, 29 seconds and 2 hours, 59 minutes, 43 seconds respectively. SPC Casey Schmitt (MNARNG), who competed in a college cross country meet less than 24 hours prior to the start of this race, led the women on her team with a finish of 3 hours, 34 minutes, 50 seconds. SFC Melanie Rowton (FL ARNG) completed the scoring for the team finishing in 3 hours, 41 minutes, 28 seconds.

The reception the team garnered from the city was very warm. Not only were people cheering for the team during the race, but they showed an interest in the team at the two-day exposition prior to the race.

“I think people who stop by the booth are primarily interested in expressing their gratitude for our service,” said Bergquist. “We also get questions on what they can do to be a part of the National Guard, and how to run on the All-Guard Team,” he added.

This expo, like the marathon, was exceptionally large and the All-Guard team members were able to obtain over 200 recruiting leads from this event.

At a large event such as this, the public interacts with the soldiers and airmen in a different light. All-Guard team members wear their brightly colored team warm-up uniform and staff a booth clad with photos from past marathon events. Thousands of runners with their families and friends make stops at the booth to get free National Guard handouts from headbands and water bottles to highlighters and pencils.

“People don't know the Guard has a team or that we co-sponsor a marathon (The Lincoln / National Guard Marathon) in Lincoln, Neb.,” said CPT Paulette Goodwin (AK ANG). “Often when you start talking with interested recruits they are surprised by some of the benefits we have to offer,” she added.

The All-Guard team competes in a multitude of races during the year and this was the largest event the team has attended in its history. Despite the below normal race temperature the team endured the distance which included high wind gusts that made this famous course difficult by stirring up strong head winds especially over the last four miles. The team made the best out of the gloomy conditions.

First year team member De Heus said the course was amazing; running through the wall of buildings and people was something that he had never experienced.

The Chicago Marathon hosted more than 40,000 runners and had a highly competitive field of elite athletes who competed on this former world record course. Upcoming races for the All-Guard team include the Las Vegas Marathon in December and the Phoenix Rock-N-Roll Marathon and Miami Marathon in January.